1. Plasma Phosphorylated Tau (p-tau181)
One of the most promising discoveries is plasma phosphorylated tau (p-tau181), a blood-based biomarker highly specific to Alzheimer’s disease. Unlike traditional cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests, p-tau181 can be measured with a simple blood draw, making early detection much more accessible and less invasive. Recent research published in Nature Medicine shows that plasma p-tau181’s accuracy nearly matches that of CSF tests, detecting changes years before cognitive symptoms appear.