Breakthrough in Alzheimer’s Research: p-Tau Testing Offers Early Detection Clues

We’re living longer than ever before, which is a great achievement. But with age comes a higher risk for conditions like memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia. These conditions can be confusing, frustrating, and deeply challenging for individuals and their families.

Right now, scientists don’t fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s, but they’re making progress. Ongoing research is revealing new clues, and with more people participating in studies, we’re getting closer to real answers.

One of the key areas of focus is a protein called phosphorylated tau, or p-Tau. While everyone has p-Tau in their body, researchers believe that abnormally high levels may be linked to early-onset Alzheimer’s and dementia. If these terms sound unfamiliar, don’t worry, we’ll break it down and explain how you can get involved or get tested.

Understanding What p-Tau Is and the Research Behind It

While the scientific terms can sound intimidating, breaking them down makes them much easier to understand. p-Tau, or phosphorylated tau, is a naturally occurring protein found in the brain. In healthy brains, phosphorylation—a process where a phosphate group is added to a molecule—helps tau proteins support the structure of neurons and maintain normal brain function.

However, problems begin when too much tau becomes phosphorylated. These excess proteins can clump or "tangle" together, disrupting communication between neurons. This abnormal buildup is one of the key signs researchers observe in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Scientists believe that these tau tangles interfere with how the brain functions and may play a major role in the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s (Fisch et al. (2024). Diagnostic accuracy of the plasma ALZpath pTau217 immunoassay for Alzheimer’s disease. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. PMC10370224). Ongoing research studies are actively exploring why this happens and how to detect and prevent it earlier. While we don’t yet have all the answers, each study brings us one step closer, and your involvement could help make a difference.

The Importance of p-Tau Testing

Researchers are working hard to uncover the causes of Alzheimer’s disease, but they can’t do it alone. As we’ve highlighted in other blog posts, minority communities are often underrepresented in clinical research studies. While there are valid historical and social reasons for this hesitancy, the lack of participation can negatively impact these very communities by limiting the relevance and reach of scientific findings.

→ Read our post about the importance of minority participation in research

p-Tau testing gives researchers critical insight into how Alzheimer’s begins in the brain, especially before symptoms appear. By participating in these studies, individuals of all backgrounds help build a more accurate and inclusive understanding of Alzheimer’s, and ultimately contribute to better prevention and treatment strategies for everyone.

Can Diet Help Prevent Alzheimer’s?

Some researchers also believe that diet may influence the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. The idea is simple: you are what you eat. With today’s diets increasingly filled with processed foods, there’s growing interest in how nutrition affects brain health.

Foods believed to support brain function include:

• Blueberries – Packed with antioxidants

• Fatty fish – Rich in omega-3 fatty acids

• Leafy greens – Full of vitamins and nutrients

In one of our recent blog posts, we explored a new AI-powered nutrition study that aims to personalize diets to help reduce Alzheimer's risk.

 → Read our AI and Nutrition blog post here

For a broader perspective, you can also check out this resource from the NIH: NIH NIA – What Do We Know About Diet and Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease?

p-Tau Testing Sites & Understanding the Research Process

Care Access: Making Research Participation Easy

Care Access, a clinical research organization (CRO), is leading the way in this important p-Tau and Alzheimer’s research study. They operate research sites across the United States and internationally, helping bring clinical trials closer to the communities that need them most.

Getting tested is simple, with just a consent form and a quick blood draw, your visit should take less than an hour. One of the biggest advantages of Care Access is its national reach. If you have a loved one in another city or state, there's a good chance a Care Access site is nearby.

What to Expect from the Research Process

All research studies follow a structured process designed to protect both participants and researchers. One of the most important steps you can take as a participant is to ask questions, lots of them. Understanding what you're signing up for not only helps you feel more confident but also improves the experience for the research team.

Step 1: The Screening Call

If you're interested in participating, the first step is a screening call.

• Call the study number: 917-451-8750

• You’ll speak with a team member who will:

  • Answer your questions

  • Ask about your age, race/ethnicity, family history of Alzheimer’s, and other basic health info

  • Collect your contact information

The call typically takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 2: Setting Up Your Appointment

After the screening call:

• A team member will review your responses

• If eligible, they’ll help you schedule a visit at the nearest Care Access location

Step 3: What to Expect at Your Visit

Here’s how to prepare and what will happen at your appointment:

• Arrive 15 minutes early

• Bring a valid photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport, state benefits card)

• Stay hydrated to make the blood draw easier

• A research coordinator will walk you through the consent form and explain the pre-screening process, including:

  • The purpose of the p-Tau blood test

  • A voluntary health information form, which can help connect you with future studies (optional)

• A small blood sample will be collected, just one tube via a quick needle stick

• Your information will be entered into the system, and your pay-card will be scanned (compensation is provided)

• You’ll also schedule a follow-up phone call

And that’s it, you're done!

Who Might Be Eligible to Join the Study?

This study is currently looking for:

• Adults 55 years or older

• Men, women, and non-binary individuals

• English or Spanish speakers

• People who can read and understand informed consent

• Those with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease

If you’re not eligible now, don’t worry, Care Access may contact you in the future when other relevant studies become available.

Interested or Have Questions?

If you're interested in joining the study or just want to learn more, give the Care Access team a call, they’re happy to help.

Call Monday–Friday, 8 AM – 4 PM EST 917-451-8750 leave the team a voicemail if they cant be reached.

If you have questions you'd like to ask us directly, feel free to drop them in the comments below. We’ll do our best to get back to you quickly!

Blog Disclaimer

This blog is an independent platform created to share publicly available information about ongoing research studies, primarily sourced from the official NIH (National Institutes of Health) website and other publicly accessible databases. Our goal is to hold space for individuals to explore research opportunities that may align with their interests or health profiles.

We do not work directly with the research teams or institutions conducting these studies, nor are we involved in participant selection, communication, or study oversight. All decisions regarding participation are determined solely by the research teams based on their specific study requirements and eligibility criteria.

We do not receive funding or compensation from research programs or from individuals who choose to participate. This platform is informational only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice or the official study pages.

If you choose to provide your email address, it will be used solely to share information about current or future research studies that may be of interest. Your email will never be sold, shared, or provided to research teams or third partieswithout your explicit permission.

For detailed information or to apply to a study, please contact the listed study coordinators directly through the links provided.