New Blood Test Could Identify Alzheimer’s Before Symptoms Emerge

A new blood test, still under development by researchers from the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, could be used to accurately detect Alzheimer’s disease at its earliest stage, according to recent research.

The blood test uses autoantibodies as blood-based biomarkers to detect a host of different diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and breast cancer, and can be used to pinpoint the stage to which the disease has progressed.
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"There are significant benefits to early disease detection because we now know that many of the same conditions that lead to vascular disease are also significant risk factors for Alzheimer's. People found to have preclinical disease can take steps to improve their vascular health, including watching their diet, exercising and managing any weight and blood pressure issues to help stave off or slow disease progression," researchers said.

"I can't think of a single patient who wouldn't take steps to prevent the progression of Alzheimer's if they could directly affect their prognosis," they concluded.

—Michael Potts

Reference:

American Osteopathic Association. Researchers close in on a blood test for Alzheimer's disease [press release]. October 18, 2015. http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-10/aoa-rci100715.php.