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Can this test predict early Alzheimer's disease?
Feeling a bit forgetful - and worried this may be the start of something more serious? A new test may be able to catch Alzheimer's disease early, when it is easier to protect remaining brain function
A spinal fluid test developed by researchers from University of Pennsylvania may predict whether symptoms of mild cognitive impairment, such as forgetfulness, will turn into Alzheimer's disease.
The researchers were looking for two key markers of the degenerative brain disease - tau protein, which forms 'tangles' in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, and amyloid beta42 peptide - low levels of which are linked to the disease.
According to the journal Annals of Neurology, samples of spinal fluid taken from 410 patients who are part of a large Alzheimer's disease study were compared against spinal fluid samples from patients with full-blown Alzheimer's disease and healthy volunteers with no signs of cognitive impairment.
The results revealed that in common with sufferers of Alzheimer's disease, some members of the 410-strong Alzheimer's disease research group displayed high levels of tau protein and low levels of amyloid beta42 peptide in their spinal fluid samples.
Commenting on his team's findings, Leslie M. Shaw, PhD, Co-Director of the Penn Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) Biomarker Core, said “With this test, we can reliably detect and track the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.”
“Validated biomarker tests will improve the focus of Alzheimer’s clinical trials, enrolling patients at earlier stages of the disease to find treatments that can at least delay – and perhaps stop – neurodegeneration. In addition, prevention trials can test methods to delay or block mild cognitive impairment from converting to full-blown Alzheimer’s.”
Now the search is on for more 'biomarkers' and genetic risk factors that will help distinguish the disease from other diseases characterised by cognitive impairment.
More on research into Alzheimer's disease
Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.
