Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
Rani Setiani Sujana, Kirsten J McCaffery, Brooke Nickel, Rosemary Fox, Vasi Naganathan, Robert G Cumming, Jenna Smith
A University of Sydney study found that social media posts about blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease often provide misleading or incomplete information. Researchers analysed 188 posts on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok and found that 36% promoted testing for people without symptoms, despite medical guidelines advising against this. Most posts presented the tests positively, but few explained potential risks, such as incorrect results, unnecessary worry or overdiagnosis. Posts from accounts with financial interests were more likely to promote testing in people without symptoms. The researchers emphasise that while blood tests may help diagnose Alzheimer’s in people experiencing memory problems, clearer, more balanced information is needed to help people make informed decisions, including advice to speak with a healthcare professional before testing.