Dr Michael K Racke, Medical Director of Neurology, Quest Diagnostics

Dr Michael K Racke
Medical Director for Neurology
Quest Diagnostics

The relentless impact of Alzheimer's disease (AD) on individuals, families, and societies worldwide is staggering. As a clinician and researcher in the field of neurology and neuroimmunology, I have witnessed firsthand the profound effects of this debilitating disease. But I've also seen remarkable innovations and strides in diagnostics that give us reason for hope.

In a recently published whitepaper titled "Accelerating Alzheimer’s Therapy Innovation: The Power of Blood-Based Biomarkers," I've had the opportunity to explore and discuss the potential of blood-based biomarkers in the ongoing battle against AD.

With AD affecting nearly 60-80% of the 55 million global dementia cases and expected to grow to 140 million by 2050, the burden is enormous.

From the personal toll it takes on patients and caregivers to the broader societal challenges, the need for early detection, management, and treatment has never been more critical.

Historically, AD diagnosis and therapy development faced numerous challenges, including delayed clinical diagnosis and a lack of objective biomarkers. But a new era of innovation is unfolding.

Quest Diagnostics has been at the forefront of this change, introducing tests like AD-Detect™ Amyloid Beta 42/40 Ratio, which offers a non-invasive and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods such as MRI, CT, and PET scans, and cerebralspinal fluid (CSF) tests.

The portfolio of Quest Diagnostics in neurological diagnostic testing, including AD-Detect™ and other essential panels, reflects our commitment to innovation, accessibility, and patient-centric care. Our work goes beyond the laboratory, shaping policies, practices, and preventive measures that can potentially transform lives.

I invite pharmaceutical partners, healthcare professionals, researchers, and anyone invested in the fight against Alzheimer's to download this whitepaper. Together, we can embrace the power of blood-based biomarkers, break down barriers, and usher in a new era of hope and healing.

The journey towards a world without Alzheimer's is filled with complexities, but the path ahead is bright with possibilities. Your partnership and engagement in this mission are vital.

To learn more about our approach and the exciting developments in blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer's, I encourage you to 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Dementia. https://www.cdc.gov/aging/ dementia/index.html. Accessed 01 Aug. 2023.

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Dementia. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/ detail/dementia. Accessed 01 Aug. 2023.

Dr Michael K Racke is the Medical Director for Neurology at Quest Diagnostics. His expertise spans multiple sclerosis and novel tests for neurologic disorders, with over three decades of leadership in academia and clinical practice. Dr Racke has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed papers and continues to serve on several national professional society committees.

Dr Michael K Racke, Medical Director of Neurology, Quest Diagnostics

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Accelerating Alzheimer's therapy innovation: A new horizon in blood-based biomarkers