News release

From: University of Sydney

Researchers have raised concerns about the promotion of Alzheimer’s disease blood tests on social media, particularly posts making claims that do not align with current clinical recommendations.

In the first published study of its kind, researchers from the University of Sydney analysed 188 posts shared between March 2014 and May 2025 on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok about Alzheimer’s blood tests, which have been allowed in Australia since July this year. Posts came from accounts with a combined audience of more than 114 million followers.

Published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, the study found more than a third of posts suggested the tests could be used to screen healthy people without symptoms of cognitive decline, despite current recommendations against routine testing of asymptomatic people.

Lead author Dr Jenna Smith from the University of Sydney’s School of Public Health and the Sydney Health Literacy Labsaid the findings come at a time of growing public interest in Alzheimer’s blood tests, including their recent introduction in Australia.

“Social media is presenting exciting claims about what these new blood tests might be able to do, but that excitement can outpace the evidence,” she said.

“We know people turn to social media for health information. When content leaves out important context about who these tests are for, their limitations and potential downsides, there’s a risk people may develop unrealistic expectations or seek testing that isn’t recommended for them.”

The blood tests are intended to support diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in people experiencing cognitive decline. The researchers found 59 percent of posts promoted the tests as useful for earlier or improved diagnosis, however many failed to mention that clinical assessment remains essential or that the tests are only recommended for people experiencing symptoms.

Only 36 percent of posts included evidence supporting their claims, and fewer than one quarter of those cited a specific study. The analysis also found accounts with explicit financial interests were more than three times as likely to promote testing for people without symptoms.

Dr Smith said the omission of important information was concerning given the potential consequences of testing people who are otherwise healthy. The study found posts discussing testing for healthy people rarely mentioned potential harms, such as overdiagnosis, false positive results or the broader impacts an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can have on individuals and families.

“Dementia is one of the most feared health conditions among adults,” she said.

“Understandably, people want answers and may be drawn to new tests that appear to offer certainty or early detection. But for people without symptoms, there’s currently no evidence that screening provides a benefit.

“A positive result may create anxiety and uncertainty, particularly when there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease and guidance on how these new tests should be used is still evolving.

“People with no symptoms could be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease but not go on to develop dementia that impacts their life.”

Dr Smith said the findings highlight the need for clear, evidence-based information to help people understand who may benefit from testing and what the results can and cannot tell them.

“These tests may play an important role in supporting diagnosis for some people experiencing cognitive symptoms, but they should be interpreted with appropriate clinical oversight,” she said.

“It’s important that consumers are getting balanced information rather than relying on social media alone. Posts should always include advice to speak with a health professional before undertaking any Alzheimer’s blood testing.”

The researchers say clinicians should also be aware of how social media may shape public perceptions of Alzheimer’s blood tests. They are calling for improved regulatory enforcement and resources to support conversations about the benefits, limitations and uncertainties surrounding testing.