President’s Message: A New Horizon in Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

I’m happy to hear about this new development in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease: The FDA has approved the Lumipulse G pTau217/β-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio, the first-ever blood test to aid in diagnosing Alzheimer’s.

Until now, confirming amyloid plaques – a hallmark of Alzheimer’s – often required costly and invasive procedures like PET scans or spinal taps. This new blood test, proving simple and accessible, offers a less invasive alternative. It measures key proteins (pTau217 and β-Amyloid 1-42) to correlate with amyloid presence in the brain.

As FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary points out, “Alzheimer’s disease impacts too many people, more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.” With over 7 million Americans currently living with this disease, and projections rising significantly, innovations like this are critical.”

This test can lead to earlier and more accessible diagnosis, particularly for those in underserved areas or with limited access to specialized facilities. Earlier diagnosis can open doors to earlier intervention, potentially changing the course of the disease for many. This is good news, because people can then embark on our scientifically-proven 4 Pillar Program to prevent Alzheimer’s – always remember that prevention is key.

But remember, folks, although groundbreaking, this blood test is an aid in diagnosis, not a standalone definitive answer. It will be used in conjunction with other clinical assessments, and like all tests, it carries a possibility of false positives or negatives.

Nevertheless, diagnostic tools becoming more patient-friendly and widely available is a win. It underscores the vital importance of ongoing research and our comprehensive approach to brain health.

At ARPF, we remain dedicated to our 4 Pillars of Alzheimer’s Prevention®, recognizing that while diagnosis is crucial, proactive lifestyle choices are paramount. This new diagnostic tool complements our prevention efforts, helping individuals understand their status earlier so they can embrace brain-healthy strategies with greater urgency and insight. Also, please recall that our Kirtan Kriya research reveals that we can clean the brain and decrease those plaques and tangles that are found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. It’s yet another reason to implement the 4 Pillars program. 

We are hopeful that this breakthrough will empower more people to take control of their brain health journey. If you’d like to learn more about our tested and immensely effective Brain Longevity formula, check out our on-demand programs.

Yours in Brain Health,

Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D.
President / Medical Director