New Blood Tests for Alzheimer's Disease

May 5, 2026, 11:00
GlobalHealth

Introduction

Doctors have new blood tests to find Alzheimer's disease early. But many people still wait too long for a diagnosis.

Main Body

A new blood test looks for a protein called p-tau217. This test can tell when a person will get sick. For example, it can predict symptoms many years before they start. Some doctors say these tests are not perfect. They say the tests are only for people who already have memory problems. Other health problems, like kidney disease, can make the test results wrong. Scientists have many new medicines to test. But they need more people for these tests in the UK. Many patients do not have a clear diagnosis, so they cannot join the medical trials.

Conclusion

Blood tests help doctors find the disease early. But doctors need more proof and better systems to use them for everyone.

Learning

The 'Can' Power-Up

In this text, we see the word can used to describe what is possible. For an A2 learner, this is a vital tool for speaking about abilities and possibilities.

How it works: Subject + can + Action (No 'to', no '-ing', no '-s')

Examples from the text:

  • This test can tell... (It is possible for the test to tell us)
  • It can predict... (It has the ability to predict)
  • ...they cannot join... (It is not possible for them to join)

Quick Rule Change: When we say something is impossible, we use cannot or can't.

Patterns for you to copy:

  • I can help → I cannot help
  • We can see → We cannot see
  • The doctor can find → The doctor cannot find

Vocabulary Learning

doctors (n.)
People who help you when you are sick.
Example:The doctors at the clinic will check your health.
blood (n.)
The liquid inside your body that carries oxygen.
Example:The nurse took a sample of your blood.
test (n.)
An examination to check something.
Example:You need to do a test to see if you have the disease.
early (adj.)
Before a later time.
Example:They found the disease early, so it can be treated.
diagnosis (n.)
Finding out what sickness a person has.
Example:The doctor gave a diagnosis after looking at the results.
protein (n.)
A substance in the body that helps build and repair cells.
Example:The blood test looks for a protein that shows the disease.
sick (adj.)
Not feeling well or healthy.
Example:If you are sick, you should rest and drink water.
symptoms (n.)
Signs that show a sickness is happening.
Example:Fever and tiredness are symptoms of the flu.
patients (n.)
People who receive medical care.
Example:The hospital has many patients waiting for treatment.
trials (n.)
Experiments where new medicines are tested.
Example:Scientists run trials to see if a new drug works.