Understanding Amyloid Beta Testing for Alzheimer’s Risk Assessment

For many aging adults, concern about Alzheimer’s disease starts quietly. It might start with small memory lapses or the news that a relative has been diagnosed. Today, simple lab tests may be able to shed light on the potential for developing Alzheimer’s. Amyloid beta testing is a blood test that measures levels of the amyloid beta 42 and 40 proteins. These levels can provide insight into early biological changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease, before cognitive challenges become more serious.

Scientists now know that the biological changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease can begin decades before symptoms become noticeable. One of the earliest changes involves amyloid beta (Aß), a naturally occurring protein in the brain. Abnormal levels of these proteins can contribute to plaque buildup in the brain that disrupts cognitive function over time.

Although amyloid beta testing does not definitively diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, it can play an important role in risk assessment, baseline evaluation, and long-term monitoring. At Aviv Clinics, amyloid beta testing can be included as part of an advanced biomarker assessment designed to help older adults better understand their Alzheimer’s risk and make informed decisions about their long-term brain health.

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What is Amyloid Beta and Why is it Important to Brain Health?

Amyloid beta is a protein that is naturally produced in the brain. We all have this protein that plays a normal role in cell function. Healthy brains clear amyloid beta efficiently, so it doesn’t accumulate.

Over time, though, these proteins can start to behave differently. They may start to accumulate and stick together to form amyloid plaques. These plaques can interfere with our brain cells’ ability to communicate with each other, and over time contribute to cognitive dysfunction.

These changes can begin long before noticeable memory problems or other symptoms appear. That’s why amyloid beta is considered one of the earliest Alzheimer’s biomarkers. Measuring amyloid beta offers a window into potential Alzheimer’s risk and for establishing a baseline to track changes long term.

What is the Amyloid Beta 42/40 Ratio?

Amyloid beta comes in several forms, but the two we’re most concerned about are Aß42 and Aß40. Both are naturally occurring proteins, but behave slightly differently in the brain:

• Aß42 is more susceptible to forming the amyloid plaques that are linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
• Aß40 is less likely to stick together, despite the fact that our bodies produce larger amounts of it.

The amyloid beta test that we perform at Aviv Clinics compares the levels of these two proteins to produce the amyloid beta 42/40 ratio. By measuring the levels of Aß42 and 40 and calculating their ratio, clinicians can gain insight into whether amyloid biology may be shifting.

Like other blood tests, the amyloid beta 42/40 ratio produces a specific, measurable result that can be compared to a reference range. Just as a blood test can tell you if your white blood cell count is too low or too high, the Aß42/40 test can indicate whether you have a low-risk or high-risk amyloid beta ratio.

It is important to note that an amyloid beta blood test cannot diagnose Alzheimer’s disease by itself. It should be used in combination with other evidence, the patient’s clinical history, and their symptoms. That said, for people with cognitive impairment, a low-risk result is consistent with a low likelihood of a positive amyloid PET scan.

How Amyloid Beta Levels May Change Over Time

Because amyloid beta levels aren’t static, they can shift gradually over the years because of the aging process and changes in brain biology. Normally, the brain can clear amyloid beta proteins, preventing them from accumulating. As we age, however, this clearance system can become less efficient.

At the same time, certain forms of amyloid beta, like Aß42, are more prone to clumping together. Other factors can also influence how amyloid beta behaves in the brain. These include:

• Genetics
• Inflammation
• Vascular health
• Metabolic disorders like diabetes
• Brain Injuries like concussions or TBIs
• Hormonal changes
• Stress
• Diet
• Physical activity

All of these factors can alter the balance between Aß42 and Aß40, or the Aß42/40 ratio.

Monitoring changes in amyloid beta levels over time can provide valuable context that a single test can’t reveal. For example, a stable Aß42/40 ratio over several years can be reassuring. But subtle shifts in the ratio may show changes in amyloid biology that should be watched more closely. Tracking the ratio over time allows providers to detect patterns early and tailor brain health strategies to the individual patient.

Tracking these changes also makes it easier to evaluate the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions or strategies such as the Aviv Medical Program. In this way, Aß42/40 testing can be a tool for ongoing monitoring and long-term planning.

Amyloid Beta and pTau Testing: Providing a More Complete Picture of Alzheimer’s Risk

Aviv Clinics offers amyloid beta testing alongside testing for phosphorylated tau (pTau). While both types of proteins can be found in the brain, the two tests reflect different stages of Alzheimer’s biology.

• Changes in amyloid beta ratio can signal subtle plaque-related activity.
• Elevated pTau levels often reflect stress or injury to neurons.

Measuring both biomarkers provides a more complete picture than either test alone. Studies show that combining amyloid beta and pTau testing improves the accuracy of assessing Alzheimer’s risk. This helps our medical team better understand the biology occurring in a client’s brain and support more personalized treatment interventions.

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Who Should Consider Amyloid Beta Testing?

Although Aß42/40 testing cannot provide a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, testing can be especially informative for adults over 50 who seek a clearer picture of their cognitive health.

This may include patients who:

• Have a family history of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia
• Are noticing subtle memory lapses or changes in focus
• Are interested in establishing a baseline measurement for long-term brain health
• Want to track changes and guide personalized brain health strategies

Does Insurance Cover Amyloid Beta Blood Tests?

While some amyloid beta tests, including PET scans, may be covered by private insurance, blood-based testing for Alzheimer’s risk are typically an out-of-pocket medical expense. For those with a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), the cost of testing may be covered if deemed a medically necessary expense and ordered by a physician. Please contact your plan administrator for more information.

How Much Does Amyloid Beta Testing Cost?

Aviv Clinics offers a dual pTau-217 and Aß42/40 for $600 on a walk-in basis. This cost includes an appointment with a physician to discuss and interpret your results, unlike testing conducted at clinical laboratory services.

Aß42/40 and pTau-217 testing may qualify as a tax-deductible expense in the United States. For more information about deductible medical expenses, please contact your tax advisor.

What to Expect from Amyloid Beta Testing

Aß42/40 and pTau testing at Aviv Clinics can be performed on a walk-in basis, with no appointment required. Our clinic at the Center for Advanced Healthcare at Brownwood in The Villages is open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.

Because the test is performed using a blood draw, the testing process is simple.

1. Before the Test: Like many blood tests, you should not take biotin (vitamin B7) supplements for at least three days prior to your blood draw. Many multivitamins, protein shakes and nutritional drinks also contain biotin and should be avoided prior to testing. Although pre-test fasting is not required, biotin is abundant in many foods and may impact test results if you do not fast prior to testing.
2. Blood draw: One of our nurses or physicians will take a simple blood sample during your visit to Aviv Clinics. Your sample will be sent to a certified laboratory for testing.
3. Results: It takes approximately 10 days to receive your test results. Once your results are in hand, one of our physicians will review your results with you at our clinic (virtual appointments are available if necessary).

Are you interested in amyloid beta and pTau testing as part of a broader evaluation of your cognitive health? Contact our team for details.

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How Aviv Clinics Uses Amyloid Beta and pTau Testing to Support Brain Health

Aviv Clinics offers Aß42/40 testing, in combination with pTau testing, so patients can gain valuable insight into their brain health. This approach allows each person to explore early biological changes at their own pace. These tests can also be incorporated into a more comprehensive assessment of both brain and body health.

Testing is also an important part of Aviv Clinics’ comprehensive approach to overall function and healthy aging. These biomarker tests can be included in a full clinical assessment to help older adults identify early biological changes that may be relevant to cognitive function.

Our multidisciplinary team of physicians, neuropsychologists, physiologists, and nutritionists uses the data from these assessments to tailor personalized treatment programs. The Aviv Medical Program may include lifestyle strategies, cognitive training, physical activity, nutrition support, and interventions like hyperbaric oxygen therapy to support brain and body performance.

While no test can predict the future, integrating amyloid beta and pTau assessments helps our clinicians understand each client’s unique biology.

Taking the Next Step in Understanding Your Brain Health

Early insight can make a difference in planning for your long-term health. Amyloid beta testing, either alone or combined with pTau, provides a window into the biological changes that can occur in the brain before noticeable symptoms arise.

At Aviv Clinics, these tests are part of a broader approach to understanding and supporting brain health. Whether you’re interested in a single test or a comprehensive assessment, our team can help interpret your results, establish a baseline, and guide personalized strategies to support your cognitive well-being.

Call Aviv Clinics at 352-492-6634 or use our contact form to reach out with your questions. If you’re ready for testing, visit our clinic in The Villages between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday for your walk-in blood test.