Predictive Medicine Company, HealthScreen America, Launches Easy New Test That Helps Detect Alzheimer's Disease.

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BW HealthWire)--Nov. 5, 2001

A simple new urine test that helps detect Alzheimer's disease in the earliest stages -- when drug therapy may substantially delay the disease's devastating symptoms -- is now available directly to consumers at HealthScreen America. Because of the effectiveness of this new test in identifying the Alzheimer's biomarker, it may serve as an alternative to invasive diagnostic procedures such as a lumbar puncture or spinal tap, said HealthScreen America's chief medical officer, Eduardo Balbona, M.D.

The Alzheimer's Association reports that 4 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, with the number expected to increase by almost 50 percent in the next decade as the first baby boomers reach age 65. Alzheimer's is a disease of the brain that can go undetected for years as it causes permanent brain injury and interferes with everyday life.

"Experts agree that Alzheimer's requires identification in its earliest stages since this is when all currently available therapies are most effective at delaying the onset and progression of symptoms," said Balbona. Although there is currently no known cure for Alzheimer's, the FDA has approved several drugs that can slow the progression of the disease if prescribed early in the disease process.

The test is one example of an emerging field in medicine called Predictive Medicine, which specializes in detecting and halting disease at the earliest stages with 21st century revolutionary technology, Balbona said. HealthScreen America offers consumers direct access to more than 45 early disease detection tests including blood work, ultrasounds, CT scans and genetic tests.

The test costs $350 and requires a first morning urine sample and laboratory analysis. HealthScreen America will inform clients of his or her results within 7 to 10 days.

Blinded research studies demonstrated the test can be a powerful tool for physicians since it detects Alzheimer's disease 80 to 92.3 percent of the time (sensitivity) and can differentiate Alzheimer's from other diseases 90 - 97.1 percent of the time (specificity). Physicians also gather other information, including a physical examination and neurological exam, to make a diagnosis. The only definitive test at this time is a brain biopsy performed during an autopsy.

There is still much unknown about Alzheimer's. Researchers believe Alzheimer's disease is caused when an abnormal protein called amyloid builds up in the brain, damaging nerves and killing brain cells. These changes eventually cause brain cell dysfunction, dementia and even death. In response to the brain injury, the nerves produce an increased level of another brain protein called Neural Thread Protein (NTP) as part of an attempt to repair the damage.

The Alzheimer's test at HealthScreen America measures NTP, which is increased even in early stages of the disease. An NTP measurement level greater than 18 units is considered a positive result and requires a physician's consultation.

"We are working closely with local physicians and organizations to ensure that clients with a positive result receive immediate assistance from those who are trained and prepared to offer expert advice and treatment," Balbona said. "While this can be distressing news, it is far better to discover the condition early while there is still time to affect the course of the disease. This is a quality of life issue and one that should not be ignored."

He added, "Early diagnosis also affords Alzheimer's patients time to talk to their family members and to be involved in planning for their own future including how their treatment and daily care will be managed as symptoms progress."

Balbona said the test would be helpful in ruling out or confirming Alzheimer's, but that it was not a substitute for the diagnostic protocols administered and evaluated by skilled physicians.

The test, called AlzheimAlert(TM), was developed by biopharmaceutical company Nymox Corporation (Nasdaq: NYMX).

The Alzheimer's Association expects the number of individuals with Alzheimer's to more than triple in the next 30 to 40 years as baby boomers age, making widespread improvements in diagnosing and treating Alzheimer's imperative. While the disease can occur in people in their 30s, 40s and 50s, most are older than age 65.

HealthScreen America is a personal health management company offering consumers direct access to affordable, advanced medical technologies to screen for the leading causes of death and disability. Through its retail locations and mobile units, HealthScreen provides more than 45 low-cost, advanced screening tests for early detection of conditions including heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, diabetes and cancers of the lung, colon, prostate and ovaries. The company also enables clients to store their DNA for future tests and screens for certain genetic diseases including hemochromatosis.

More information is available by calling toll-free 877-727-3366 or at http://www.HealthScreenAmerica.com.