ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Alzheimer’s disease causes progressive neurological decline and decreases the quality of life of the individuals with the disease and their caregivers. Today there are over half a million Canadians living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related form of dementia. With a rapidly aging population, both the number of Canadians with dementia and associated costs (currently $10.4 billion per year) are projected to double by 2031, representing an urgent and rapidly growing health care issue.

 

DIAGNOSIS

Early and accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is critical because timely access to health care and community services has the potential to lead to more effective treatment and improve quality of life. Current approaches for diagnosis rely on  imaging tests and observation of the signs and symptoms of the disease. Adding the measure of proteins found in cerebrospinal fluid (biomarkers) has been shown to help correctly identify the disease and predict those with mild symptoms that are likely to progress to dementia.

 

ROLE OF IMPACT-AD

IMPACT-AD will help Canadians develop a comprehensive understanding of how Alzheimer’s disease biomarker testing impacts medical and personal decision making, and health care costs. The objective of IMPACT-AD is to inform positive change in the Canadian health care system to improve care and support for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, and their families.

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WHAT IS A BIOMARKER?

A biomarker is a substance found in the body that may signal health or disease.

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WHAT IS ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE BIOMARKER TESTING?

We measure amyloid-beta and tau proteins to help determine if a person’s declining brain health (e.g., memory concerns) is due to Alzheimer’s disease. Amyloid-beta and tau are proteins that are normally present in all of our brain cells, but their levels change in the context of Alzheimer's disease. Measuring key forms of these protein biomarkers in the fluid surrounding the brain (i.e., cerebrospinal fluid) helps doctors identify whether the cause of the cognitive difficulties is due to Alzheimer’s disease. For more information on these biomarkers, visit our Resources page.