Dementia Prediction Program & Brain Health Advisory
Dementia still has no cure, but it can be detected 5-10 years in advance by assessing levels of proteins that cause Alzheimer's disease.
This allows for proactive care planning and potential disease prevention.
Results are typically available within 90 days.
The test is simple, safe and painless, with an accuracy rate of 92%.
This program is part of the Proactive Development Plan for the Healthy Brain Initiative of Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Health Science Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, in conjunction with the Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI)
Alzheimer's disease accounts for about 70% of dementia cases and is considered the most common cause of dementia.
Examinations for Alzheimer’s disease can be carried out many years before a patient begins to exhibit symptoms. In the past, PET scan tests or lumbar punctures were used to detect abnormal levels of the proteins that are key indicators of Alzheimer’s. In recent years, however, new and previously unavailable technology has been developed enabling laboratory tests to measure levels of these proteins in blood samples, making testing much easier and less painful for the patient.
What Do We Examine For?
Our dementia prediction program offers innovative services for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease and even latent dementia or brain loss. In comparison to PET scans or lumbar puncture tests, this new examination method has proven to be far more accurate, up to 92%.Why Should I Get Tested?
Getting tested allows us to predict the onset of physical symptoms of Alzheimer's disease up to 5-10 years in advance. This helps determine whether or not you are at risk, encouraging you to prioritize your health. Early detection also enables proactive care planning, ultimately leading to better outcomes and the possible prevention of future disease.Who Is Suitable to Be Tested?
- Individuals experiencing memory issues that significantly disrupt daily life, such as difficulty comprehending written material, frequent decision-making errors, mood or personality changes and confusion regarding time or date.
- Individuals aged 40 and above who are concerned about, or wish to ascertain, their risk status for the next 5-10 years. This knowledge can serve as an incentive to prioritize health and achieve positive outcomes.
- Individuals aged 60 and above.
- Individuals with a family history of dementia or direct relatives diagnosed with the condition.
Benefits
- Preventing the development of dementia in individuals without symptoms.
- Early detection and diagnosis of future dementia cases.
- Slowing down the progression of dementia in individuals already experiencing symptoms.
Highlights
In comparison to PET scans or lumbar puncture tests, this new examination method has proven to be far more accurate, up to 92%. As such, it provides huge benefits in the prevention or deceleration of dementia or, at the very least, proper preparation for future symptoms of the disease. A neurologist specializing in nervous system and brain will be present to help introduce lifestyle changes and any appropriate future plans for the patient, as well as to continue to monitor the patient’s symptoms going forward.Examination Method
This program uses a blood test to measure levels of “phospho-tau” proteins that are key markers for Alzheimer’s, and the APOE gene that is the main risk factor for Alzheimer’s. It also includes a test for the presence of “neurofilaments” in the blood.The program comprises:
- Measurement of "Phospho-Tau" protein levels, a causal factor in Alzheimer's disease.
- Measurement of "neurofilament" protein levels to detect brain damage and diagnose Alzheimer's, latent dementia or current brain loss. This allows for predicting disease outcomes up to 5-10 years in advance with 92% accuracy, with results available within 90 days.
- Measurement of "GFAP" protein levels to identify brain inflammation associated with latent Alzheimer's disease.
- Analysis of the APOE gene, a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.
Result Turnaround Time
- Approximately 90 days
Service Provision Process
- Consultation with a specialist prior to service provision
- Genetic screening conducted via blood draw
- Await test results
- Assessment of diagnostic findings by a neurologist or anti-aging and regenerative medicine specialist, leading to further consultation
After The Examination, What Do The Test Results Reveal?
The examination results will indicate changes in the brain, enabling the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, latent dementia and current brain loss. This predictive capability extends up to 5-10 years, facilitating the possible prevention or delay of dementia symptoms or preparation for future occurrences.
Neurologists are available to provide additional evaluation and recommendations in cases of abnormal test results. Conversely, in instances where test results are normal and no disease risk is present, anti-aging and regenerative medicine specialists assist in lifestyle planning and offer recommendations embracing Samitivej’s 4 wellbeing principles:
- Physical Wellbeing: Tailored fitness solutions for a sustainable state of optimal health. This encompasses evaluating your cardiac readiness and physical fitness prior to engaging in any exercise regimen, conducting body composition assessments and devising an ongoing personalized exercise plan.
- Dietary Wellbeing: Customized dietary guidance enhances overall health, tailored to individual needs and recommended by experienced dietitians.
- Emotional Wellbeing: Emotional and mental health support delivered by a team of specialists to analyze the impact of stress on your daily life.
- Sleep Wellbeing: Attentive care for sleep-related issues such as insomnia, poor sleep quality and snoring. Targeted treatments, including a sleep apnea test (sleep test), acupuncture and more, aim to address the specific sleep challenges you may be experiencing.
All 4 wellbeing principles are interconnected and managed by experts and multidisciplinary specialists.
- Preventative medicine specialists (Wellness Center’s doctors)
- Cardiologist: Assesses heart readiness and fitness before exercise
- Rehabilitation medicine specialist: Assesses physical fitness before exercise
- Psychiatrist: Evaluates mental state (Mental Wellbeing)
- Dietitian: Manages individual dietary needs
- Sports medicine specialist: Oversees exercise programs
This approach may reduce the risk of developing dementia by up to 40%.*
*Livingston, G., Huntley, J., Sommerlad, A., Ames, D., Ballard, C., Banerjee, S., ... & Mukadam, N. (2020). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. The Lancet, 396(10248), 413-446. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30367-6
