Australia greenlights rapid Alzheimer’s blood test

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has approved a blood test that detects the pTau217 biomarker linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Clinical trials showed about 90 % accuracy, and results can be delivered in roughly 18 minutes at the new Asia‑Pacific Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Diagnosis in Sydney.

Neurologist Dr Emma Devenney, who will oversee the centre, said the test could transform early diagnosis and enable earlier treatment and care planning. Roche Diagnostics’ Managing Director Dr Anand Vairavan highlighted that earlier detection gives patients valuable time to understand their condition and access support.

Australia has an estimated 446,500 people living with dementia, two‑thirds of which are Alzheimer’s. The test offers a less invasive alternative to lumbar puncture or PET scans and is expected to become available through specialist referral within six to nine months, with potential Medicare coverage by year‑end. Researchers caution that widespread screening will take time and that a positive result indicates brain changes, not a guaranteed future disease.