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FDA Considers New Diagnostic Test for Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's disease often is a debilitating condition and may result in an individual seeking Social Security disability benefits, particularly if they are the victim of early-onset Alzheimer's. Social Security disability benefits may be available if you have become disabled due to a severe mental or physical medical condition.

According to CNN Health, some research indicates that as many as 1 in 5 patients are incorrectly diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

Unfortunately it is not until after a patient has died that a definite diagnosis can be made. Now the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering a new diagnostic test for patients who are displaying signs of Alzheimer's.

This test is a brain scan that would detect the amount of amyloid plaque buildup in the brain. Amyloid plaques are known to be one of the culprits that indicate a patient has developed Alzheimer's.

These PET scans were tested in a small study and able to accurately diagnose 97% of the individuals who had amyloid plaque buildup. The patients who were part of this study were considered to be terminally ill and agreed to not only the diagnostic test but to have an autopsy performed on them after their death.

In comparison the PET scans were also done on healthy individuals to see if it would detect a difference between those with Alzheimer's and those who didn't have it. The test indicated no amyloid plaque buildup in the healthy individuals.

This test may be approved by the FDA in an effort to help diagnose Alzheimer's accurately and early.

A Social Security disability attorney can assist you with any questions you may have concerning Social Security disability benefits.

When you are interviewing Social Security Disability attorneys ask critical questions, like: how many Social Security Disability hearings do you have per month; do you understand the SSA's POMS (the manual Social Security employees use to process claims); and, do you understand the date last insured and how it affects my disability onset date?

The Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg, located in Atlanta, Georgia represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your case. Contact us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.