A major step forward has been taken in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease in India. For the first time, a non-invasive and comprehensive test, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), has been launched in the country. The test, called Dendrite Dx, aims to bridge the significant diagnostic gap for this life-altering neurodegenerative condition.

What Is Dendrite Dx?

Developed and launched by Dr Dangs Labs, Dendrite Dx offers a three-part approach to assessing Alzheimer’s risk. It includes:

• A 15-minute FDA-cleared cognitive assessment
• Advanced blood biomarker tests to detect key proteins associated with Alzheimer’s
• And a proprietary APS2 score generated in collaboration with a US-based diagnostic lab

The Amyloid Probability Score 2 (APS2) ranges from 0 to 100, indicating the likelihood that a patient has amyloid plaques in the brain, one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s.

Though the exact pricing is yet to be finalized, the test is expected to cost around ₹10,000.

Why This Test Matters

Speaking about the need for such a diagnostic tool, Dr Navin Dang, founder and director of Dr Dangs Labs, explained that Alzheimer’s patients in India often face difficulty in getting a definitive diagnosis, as reported by The Print. Currently, the standard options include lumbar puncture—an invasive procedure that extracts cerebrospinal fluid, or MRI scans, which can only give indicative results.

“This test,” Dr Dang said, “fills a huge unmet need for accurate and non-invasive Alzheimer’s detection in India.”

Early detection is crucial for Alzheimer’s. It empowers patients and their families to access treatment options, plan care, and maintain quality of life, even though a cure does not yet exist.

The Growing Burden of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Globally, nearly 57 million people lived with Alzheimer’s in 2021, according to the World Health Organization.

In India, around 8.8 million people above the age of 60 are believed to have dementia and Alzheimer’s. Disturbingly, symptoms are now being reported in younger people as well, sometimes as early as age 45.

The disease is strongly associated with abnormal build-up of beta-amyloid proteins, which can damage brain cells and disrupt normal functioning.

Who Should Consider the Test?

The Dendrite Dx test is indicated for adults who:

• Have a family history of Alzheimer’s or dementia
• Experience brain fog, memory lapses, or poor concentration
• Or live with lifestyle-related risks such as diabetes, obesity, or hypertension

It is available in three packages—basic, advanced, and confirmatory—depending on patient needs.

Inside the Test: Biomarkers

In its basic form, the test uses blood biomarkers such as pTau-217 (a highly specific Alzheimer’s marker) and amyloid beta 1-42 (linked to amyloid plaque buildup).

The advanced version includes additional checks for the APO E gene, which indicates inherited risk, as well as broader health assessments covering inflammation, blood sugar control, and kidney health. These parameters can influence brain function, and when imbalanced, may manifest as poor memory, low focus, or mood changes.

Independent studies suggest that these blood-based tests have around 90% sensitivity and specificity, meaning they are reliable at detecting true cases and ruling out false ones.

Final Confirmation: The PrecivityAD2 Test

For patients who require further clarity, confirmation is offered through PrecivityAD2, developed by US-based C2N Diagnostics. This advanced blood test uses liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, a highly specialised technology, to analyse specific compounds linked with Alzheimer’s pathology.

The results are provided as an APS2 score, giving clinicians and patients a reliable indicator of the likelihood of Alzheimer’s-related brain changes.

Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels rise but do not reach the threshold for Type 2 diabetes. For those unversed, healthy blood sugar (glucose) levels range from 70 to 99 milligrammes per decilitre (mg/dL). If you have undetected prediabetes, your levels are normally between 100 and 125 mg/dL. According to the American Diabetes Association, people who are 45 years old with prediabetes have a 9% to 14% chance of getting Type 2 diabetes within 10 years.

The good news is that prediabetes can be reversed via healthy lifestyle modifications. As people become more prone to prediabetes, let's look at what it is and how to recognise the early warning symptoms before they progress to something more dangerous, such as type 2 diabetes. We contacted Dr Rakesh Pandit, Senior Consultant and Head of Internal Medicine at Aakash Healthcare, who informed us about the situation.

What is Prediabetes?

Dr Pandit adds that even in this early stage, the long-term effects of elevated blood sugar on the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys may already begin. The good news is that developing full-blown type 2 diabetes is not inevitable. Simple measures such as eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight can often bring blood sugar back to normal. These same strategies are effective for children as well, helping to restore healthy glucose levels.

How is Prediabetes Different from Type-2 Diabetes?Prediabetes occurs before a diagnosis of diabetes is made. People with prediabetes have blood sugar levels higher than normal but usually do not experience symptoms of diabetes. Normal fasting blood glucose ranges from 70–99 mg/dL, while prediabetes typically shows levels between 110–125 mg/dL or an HbA1c of 5.7%–6.5%. These numbers are not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis, which is why many remain unaware of their prediabetes status.

ALSO READ: India Gets Its First Non-Invasive FDA-Approved Test for Alzheimer’s Detection, Here's All You Need To Know

Dr Pandit told us, “Prediabetes not only increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes but also raises the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and stroke. People diagnosed with prediabetes should have their blood sugar monitored every 1–2 years. If results are normal, testing can be repeated every three years”. Lifestyle interventions, such as improved nutrition and regular exercise are the first step in preventing the roughly 70% chance of progressing to diabetes.

Symptoms Of Prediabetes In Females

ALSO READ: What Is Tylenol? Can It Really Be Linked to Autism? Doctors Explain

Symptoms and Risks of PrediabetesYou can have prediabetes for several years without noticing any signs. It often goes undetected until more serious complications, like type 2 diabetes, develop.

Dr Rakesh Pandit advises consulting your doctor for blood sugar testing if you have any risk factors, such as:

• Being overweight
• Age 45 or older
• Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes
• Exercising less than three times a week
• History of gestational diabetes
• Having given birth to a baby weighing over 9 pounds

Race and ethnicity can also influence risk. African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Pacific Islanders, and certain Asian American groups are more susceptible to developing prediabetes.

Can Prediabetes Be Reversed?Yes, lifestyle modifications like eating a balanced diet, exercising frequently, decreasing weight, and getting better sleep can reverse or postpone prediabetes. By bringing blood sugar levels back into a healthy range, these adjustments can stop or slow the onset of Type 2 diabetes. Support and direction are also provided by initiatives such as the National Diabetes Prevention Program to help people make these important lifestyle changes.

Recovery after a heart attack or living with heart disease can vary greatly from person to person. Adjusting to daily life following a heart disease diagnosis can feel daunting. From deciding what foods are safe to eat, to wondering how much physical activity your body can handle, these concerns can affect every aspect of your routine.

A common question among patients is whether sexual activity is safe with heart disease, or if it might place undue stress on the heart. We spoke with Dr. Kajal Singh, Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at NIIMS Medical College and Hospital. She shares her insights on whether it is safe to be sexually active while managing heart problems and what precautions should be taken.

Is It Safe To Have Sex After A Heart Attack?

ALSO READ: Childhood Obesity Is On The Rise, Doctors Warn; Here’s What Parents Can Do

Sex affects the body similarly to other forms of exercise and can even benefit cardiovascular health. Experiencing sexual arousal after a heart attack generally does not pose a danger.

Can Heart Problems Affect Your Sexual Health?While sexual activity is usually safe for people with heart disease, Dr. Kajal Singh highlights several considerations and outlines five scientific ways heart disease can influence sexual health:

Reduced Cardiovascular Endurance:

Vascular Insufficiency:Proper blood flow to the genitals is essential for arousal and lubrication. Atherosclerotic changes, common in heart disease, can limit pelvic blood circulation, leading to decreased arousal and lubrication. Dr. Singh notes that post-menopausal women may also experience dyspareunia, or painful intercourse.

Medication Side Effects:Drugs like beta-blockers, diuretics, and certain blood pressure medications can reduce libido and affect orgasm. These medications may influence the nervous system or cause vaginal dryness, impacting sexual response.

ALSO READ: American Heart Association Says Psychological Distress After Heart Attack Can Increase The Risk Of Another Cardiac Event

Psychological Impact:

Hormonal and Autonomic Dysregulation:Chronic heart disease can alter hormone levels, including oestrogen and androgens, which may affect sexual desire and vaginal health. Autonomic dysfunction can also impair genital responses, further influencing sexual satisfaction.

Dr. Singh stresses the importance of open communication about sexual health for those with heart conditions. With guidance from cardiologists, counselling, and supportive measures such as pelvic physiotherapy and lubricants, sexual well-being can often be preserved or restored despite heart disease.

As per American Heart Association second heart attack is said to increase the mortality risk of people, and doctors try their level best to ensure that it doesn’t happen. However, a new study reveals that the state of your mental health can greatly affect your risk of another cardiac event.

Being the leading cause of death, one person dies every 34 second from heart diseases (the Center of Disease Control and Prevention). In 2023, stats show that 919,032 people died due to the same reason, which means that 1 in 3 deaths in the US were due to cardiac reasons.

While heart attacks in itself are difficult to recover from, suffering a second one makes recovery even more intense. Doctors try their best to ensure that a second heart attack does not happen, further complicating the treatment, but a new study has revealed a factor that can increase its risk?

How Your Mental Health Affects The Heart?

According to the American Heart Association study, experiencing PMPD, which is Postmyocardial Psychological Distress (PMPD) which many people experience after a major medical event like a heart attack can be physically and emotionally taxing can affect your risk of another heart attack.

PMPD isn't just an emotional issue; it's a medical one. It's linked to an increased risk of future heart problems, especially a recurrent heart attack. Some studies even suggest it contributes to a higher risk of suicide after an myocardial infarction (MI).

The link between your mind and heart is a two-way street. A heart attack can cause inflammation in your body, which leads to chemical changes that can trigger depression and anxiety. At the same time, chronic stress can activate your body's "fight-or-flight" response, raising your blood pressure and causing inflammation, making your heart condition worse. The numbers are clear:

• 1 in 3 heart attack survivors develop depression, which is much higher than in the general population.
• Up to half of heart attack survivors feel anxiety or stress while in the hospital, and for 20% to 30%, these feelings last for months.
• Depression and PTSD after a heart attack are each linked to double the risk of having another heart event or even death.
• People with anxiety are 1.3 times more likely to have another heart attack or die.

Emotional distress can also lead to unhealthy behaviors that harm your heart:

Poor lifestyle habits: Depression often leads to a lack of sleep, poor diet, and not being physically active.

Avoiding care: People with psychological distress may skip taking their medications, avoid social activities, or drop out of crucial cardiac rehabilitation programs.

Can Treating Mental Health Heal The Heart As Well?

Because of this strong connection, it's crucial to address emotional distress. Doctors are encouraged to ask about a patient's emotional state, even without a formal screening. Simply acknowledging their feelings and offering support can make a huge difference.

Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness exercises, and other forms of counseling can help people manage their emotions.

Medication

A class of antidepressants called SSRIs has been found to be safe and effective for people with heart disease.

Lifestyle Changes

Simple things like getting regular exercise and improving sleep can significantly boost your mood.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

This is a key resource that is often underused. In addition to physical exercise, these programs typically offer mental health support and stress management education, which has been shown to improve both mental and physical outcomes.