Published: 2024-01-25 by, News Team in the Global news category

A Possible Blood Test To Detect Alzheimer's Disease On The Horizon

A recent study published in JAMA Neurology suggests that a simple blood test could accurately screen for Alzheimer's disease before symptoms manifest, with up to 97% accuracy. The University of Gothenburg researchers highlighted the significance of plasma biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease evaluation. The blood test aims to facilitate early and precise diagnosis, improving patient management and enabling timely access to disease-modifying therapies.

In Canada, over 600,000 people are living with dementia, and projections indicate nearly one million people will be affected by 2030. While various conditions can cause dementia, Alzheimer's disease is the most common. The accumulation of proteins phosphorylated tau (p-tau) and abnormal amyloid in the brain is a typical indicator of Alzheimer's.

Dr. Roger Wong, a clinical professor of geriatric medicine at the University of British Columbia, explained that scientists utilize biomarkers like p-tau for early diagnosis and monitoring. The study explores the use of a blood test to identify p-tau in the blood, offering a potentially more accessible alternative to traditional diagnostic tools such as MRIs, PET scans, or spinal taps.

The ALZpath ptau217 test, developed by ALZpath, demonstrated "high accuracy" in identifying plasma biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's. The study compared the blood test's accuracy with spinal taps and brain scans, concluding that the blood test is comparable to spinal tap measures and superior to brain atrophy assessments like MRIs.

Despite promising results, the study has limitations, including a relatively small sample size and a lack of diversity among participants. Dr. Wong emphasized the need for further research to validate and expand on these findings. Early diagnosis of dementia is crucial, as treatments and therapies may potentially reverse or slow down the disease's effects during the initial stages. The study's hopeful findings, while experimental, may motivate more extensive research in Canada and globally to gain a better understanding of Alzheimer's disease.

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