Integrating p-tau217 Early Detection Blood Tests in National Dementia Strategy

Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health given the approval by US Food and Drug Administration of blood-based p-tau217 tests that can predict Alzheimer's disease risk up to 20 years before symptoms (a) whether the Ministry has assessed cost-effectiveness of subsidising such tests for high-risk individuals; (b) what is the estimated eligible population in Singapore; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider including such screening in the national dementia strategy.

P-tau217 as a biomarker for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease is still being tested in local research trials. The United States Food and Drug Administration has indicated that the test is not intended as a stand-alone screening or diagnostic test. The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor developments in this field.