The results suggested that plasma MTBR-tau243 could help estimate the tauopathy load in Alzheimer's disease, improving diagnostic evaluations of Alzheimer's in clinical practice and monitoring the efficacy of tau-targeted therapies in clinical trials, the researchers noted.

A new blood test test could determine how far Alzheimer's has progressed and could also help confirm whether another condition is causing a person’s cognitive symptoms.

With two new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease approved in recent years, there’s growing hope for people at risk of the memory-robbing condition. But tests to detect the condition still lag behind. Earlier diagnosis would mean that people could take advantage of the drugs sooner,