A study of the so-called p-tau217 test showed that symptom-free older adults with very high levels of p-tau217 had a 38% risk of developing cognitive impairment over five years and 78% over 10 years, AP reported. Also in the news: new ways to tackle obesity; injuries in sports; and more. [KFF Health News] 

AP: A Blood Test May Predict the Start of Alzheimer's Symptoms Years in Advance 

A blood test may predict if apparently healthy older adults are likely to develop Alzheimer’s symptoms in the next five or 10 years, researchers reported Wednesday. That information could be reassuring or terrifying, but for now it’s a potential tool to speed drug development by helping to identify and enroll high-risk people into studies of possible Alzheimer’s treatments or preventive strategies. Already large clinical trials are testing if certain drugs could prevent or at least delay the disease — and if any of those pan out, doctors will need an easy way to tell who should try them. (Neergaard, 7/15)

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