Scientists have developed a revolutionary blood test capable of diagnosing Alzheimer’s diseaseaccording to a new paper published on December 27 in Brain.
While current tests involve expensive CT scans or painful lumbar punctures, “a blood test is cheaper, safer, and easier to administer, and it can improve clinical confidence in Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis and selection. participants for clinical trials and disease monitoring”. Professor Thomas Karikari at the University of Pittsburghwho participated in the study, said in a statement.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects memory, thinking and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly. Earlier detection of the disease could lead to earlier treatment, potentially decreasing the spoilage effects.
Read on to find out when the test might be available to you.
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There are generally three markers of Alzheimer’s disease
The three main markers of Alzheimer’s disease are:
Amyloid plaquesThese are abnormal clumps of protein fragments that accumulate between nerve cells in the brain.
Neurofibrillary tangles: These are twisted strands of protein that accumulate inside nerve cells in the brain.
Neurodegeneration: It is the loss of nerve cells and connections in the brain, which leads to atrophy (shrinkage) of brain tissue.
However, the presence of these markers alone is not sufficient to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, as they can also be found in other neurological conditions. A definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can only be made through a comprehensive evaluation that includes a thorough medical history, physical and neurological examination, and imaging and laboratory tests.
The new blood test may skip some of these steps. This would be good news for those who want to avoid a lumbar puncture, in which a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is taken from the lower back. And great news for those who can’t find or afford these more expensive tests.
“Many patients, even in the United States, do not have access to MRI and PET scanners. Accessibility is a major issue,” Professor Karikari said.
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How does the new test work?
The new test can detect a new marker for Alzheimer’s disease, neurodegeneration, in a blood sample. “The biomarker, called ‘brain-derived tau’ or BD-tau, outperforms current blood diagnostic tests used to clinically detect neurodegeneration related to Alzheimer’s disease. It is specific to Alzheimer’s disease and correlates well with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease neurodegeneration), says the University of Pittsburgh.
“The most important benefit of blood biomarkers is to improve people’s lives and improve clinical confidence and risk prediction in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease,” Karikari said.
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When will the test be available to everyone?
The test is still being studied for its effectiveness. Karikari and his team plan to conduct large-scale clinical validation of BD-tau blood in a wide range of research groups, including those recruiting participants from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, memory clinics and the community.
In addition, these studies will include older people without biological evidence of Alzheimer’s disease as well as people at different stages of the disease. These projects are crucial to ensure that the biomarker results are generalizable to people from all backgrounds and will pave the way for making BD-tau commercially available for widespread clinical and prognostic use,” says the University of Pittsburgh.
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These are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease
There are several warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease that may indicate that a person is experiencing cognitive decline. These signs may include:
Memory lossDifficulty remembering recently learned information or repeatedly asking the same questions.
Difficulty performing familiar tasks: Struggles to plan or complete daily tasks, such as getting dressed or preparing a meal.
disorientationGetting lost in familiar places or forgetting the date or season.
Difficulty communicatingHaving trouble finding the right words or having trouble following or joining a conversation.
poor judgmentMaking bad decisions or engaging in reckless behavior.
Withdrawal from social activitiesLoss of interest in hobbies, social activities, or self-care.
Changes in mood or behaviorExperiencing sudden mood swings or behaving in unusual ways.
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How to Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease
Although there is no sure way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the disease. Here are some tips to prevent Alzheimer’s disease:
Regular exerciseRegular physical activity has been shown to improve brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise.
Adopt a healthy dietA diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and low in processed and unhealthy fats can help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Some research suggests that the Mediterranean diet, which is high in plant-based foods and fish, may be particularly beneficial for brain health.
Stay mentally activeEngaging in mentally stimulating activities, such as reading, puzzles, and learning new things, can help keep your brain sharp and may reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Get enough sleepSufficient sleep is important for overall health, including brain health. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
To manage stressChronic stress has been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. Consider finding ways to manage stress, such as through meditation, yoga, or talking to a therapist.
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