Test For Early Alzheimer's Detection Now Available In Duluth, MN

Alzheimer's disease is a devastating diagnosis for victims and their families. An estimated 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older are currently living with Alzheimer's disease, according to a 2025 report by the Alzheimer's Association.

That figure is expected to increase significantly, with projections suggesting nearly 14 million Americans will have the disease by 2060, unless new successful prevention methods are developed.

While there currently are no new methods to prevent Alzheimer's, there are promising developments in the early detection of the disease and related treatments, which medical professionals say signal a shift in Alzheimer’s management from symptom relief to disease modification.

Furthermore, as research evolves, there is hope that treatments related to early detection could delay onset or even prevent severe progression, transforming Alzheimer’s from a devastating diagnosis into a manageable condition.

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Essentia Health recently announced that a groundbreaking test for early Alzheimer's detection is now available in Duluth, Minnesota, which is fantastic news for the entire region.

Essentia Health Providing Groundbreaking Test For Early Alzheimer’s Detection

Essentia Health has announced it is bringing a groundbreaking tool in the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease to the Duluth area. A new diagnostic test that detects amyloid plaque, the abnormal protein deposits in the brain that can disrupt cognitive function and are a defining feature of Alzheimer’s.

Essentia says this test represents "a major breakthrough" in care for the devastating disease. This innovative service provides local patients with faster, less-invasive access to critical diagnostics, eliminating long waits and extensive travel previously required for similar testing.

“This represents a major leap forward in Alzheimer’s care for our community,” said Dr. Stephen Rostad, a neurologist at Essentia. “By detecting amyloid plaques early, we can confirm eligibility for breakthrough treatments that target and reduce these deposits, potentially slowing the progression of cognitive decline. It’s about giving patients and families hope through timely intervention.”

Regionally, this new test is only offered at Essentia’s downtown Duluth campus.

How Does This Innovative Test Work?

Essentia officials say this new scan uses existing PET and CT technology, paired with a safe radioactive tracer called Amyvid. Once injected, the Amyvid binds to these plaques and highlights them during imaging.

The procedure is quick and easy. After a 40-minute circulation period, the scan itself takes just 10 minutes, with the entire visit lasting less than an hour.

If the imaging detects elevated levels of amyloid plaque, FDA-approved therapies are introduced. These infusions work to break up amyloid plaques; infusion regimens vary depending on scan results.

Alzheimer’s often goes undiagnosed until symptoms are advanced. Early detection via amyloid PET/CT allows for personalized treatment plans, improving quality of life and reducing the burden on families. Essentia Health says it has already performed several scans since initiating the program in July.