Japan has approved one of the world¡¯s first blood test kits to detect signs of Alzheimer¡¯s disease, paving way for a simpler and speedier diagnosis of the ailment for which a therapy is on the horizon.
Sysmex¡¯s diagnostic product that measures amyloid beta in the blood ¡ª an abnormal protein that jams nerve cells in the brain and is a marker of Alzheimer¡¯s ¡ª was authorized for use by the health ministry, the Kobe-based firm said in a statement Thursday.
¡°We plan to prepare for the early introduction of the product to the market, while working toward its coverage by Japanese national health insurance.¡± Sysmex said in the statement. Japan, with the world¡¯s highest ratio of elderly residents, has about 6 million people with dementia, according the health ministry. Dementia is a broader category that includes Alzheimer¡¯s.
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