If You Could Know Alzheimer’s Risk Years in Advance — Would You Want To?
For decades, most people said “no” because Alzheimer’s was seen as inevitable and incurable. But today, research shows there is so much that can be done to identify and address the root causes before dementia takes hold.
Now, three new Alzheimer’s blood tests make it possible to detect changes in the brain decades before symptoms start. Used the right way, they can help you take targeted, life-saving action.
Why Early Alzheimer’s Testing Matters
Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t start with memory loss — it begins silently, with changes in the brain that can happen 10-20 years before diagnosis.
Early detection gives you:
- Time to act before damage is irreversible.
- Specific biomarkers to track your progress.
- Motivation to stick with prevention strategies.
3 Blood-Based Biomarkers That Reveal Early Alzheimer’s Changes
1. p-tau 217
- What it is: A highly sensitive test that detects brain changes specific to Alzheimer’s.
- Why it matters: Levels can rise decades before symptoms and can track improvement or progression over time.
- Good news: p-tau can go down with the right interventions — meaning Alzheimer’s risk isn’t a one-way street.
2. NfL (Neurofilament Light Chain)
- What it is: A marker of ongoing brain cell damage.
- Why it matters: It rises in many neurological conditions — from Alzheimer’s to concussion — making it an important “brain health alarm.”
3. GFAP (Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein)
- What it is: A marker of inflammation in the brain.
- Why it matters: Brain inflammation is a major driver of cognitive decline, and its root causes can be found and addressed.
The Upside — and Downside — of These Tests
Upside: They give you concrete data and urgency to act.
Downside: On their own, they don’t tell you why your levels are high. Without finding and addressing root causes, medications that only remove amyloid plaques won’t stop the disease process.
The Next Step: Root Cause Testing
For the most effective prevention, follow up with the ReCODE protocol tests — a comprehensive panel that uncovers the specific drivers of your cognitive risk, from toxins to nutrient deficiencies.
Why I’m Getting These Tests
When I told a friend I planned to get them, he asked, “Why would you want to know if you’re already doing everything possible?” My answer:
- There’s always more we can do.
- It would sharpen my focus and sense of urgency.
- My family history matters, and I can make more targeted changes if my results are high.
I think of Alzheimer’s like cancer — early detection is your best chance to stop it.
Final Thoughts
- Knowledge is the gateway to power.
- Action is the antidote to fear.
- What you do with the results matters most.
If you’re ready to take steps to prevent Alzheimer’s or improve symptoms, I’d be honored to guide you. Book a consultation here.
Ready to Get Started on a Brain-Healthy Lifestyle?
If you’ve been concerned about your risk or are already dealing with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and don’t know what’s causing it, why not schedule a conversation to explore your options?
🧠 Click here to book an initial call with me.
Angela Chapman, M.Ed., FDN-P, is a certified ReCODE practitioner and brain health educator. Her weekly newsletter is packed with cutting-edge information on how to prevent, slow, or reverse cognitive decline.
📰 Want to stay informed? Sign up for Angela’s Sunday Brain Health Email.