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Blood Test Predicts Alzheimer’s Risk Up to Ten Years

7/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Mass General Brigham researchers reported in JAMA that a blood test measuring p-tau217 can predict Alzheimer’s risk up to ten years before symptoms.
Very high p-tau217 levels corresponded to a 38% five-year and a 78% ten-year risk of cognitive impairment.
Researchers warned the test is not advised for asymptomatic people because no disease-modifying therapies exist, though experts note it could help recruit high-risk volunteers for future drug trials.

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Story summary

Mass General Brigham researchers reported in JAMA that a blood test measuring p-tau217 can predict Alzheimer’s risk up to ten years before symptoms.
Very high p-tau217 levels corresponded to a 38% five-year and a 78% ten-year risk of cognitive impairment.
Researchers warned the test is not advised for asymptomatic people because no disease-modifying therapies exist, though experts note it could help recruit high-risk volunteers for future drug trials.