Blood test spots early signs of Alzheimers's

The new test could lead to early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's

A NEW blood test for Alzheimer's disease could lead to early diagnosis and treatment for patients.

The test identifies levels of certain substances in the blood - known as auto-antibodies - that enter the brain when dementia develops.
Damaged brain cells release debris into the bloodstream and give rise to these reliable biomarkers, allowing quick diagnosis of a range of neurodegenerative diseases.

There are significant benefits to early disease detection because we know that many of the same conditions that lead to vascular disease are significant risk factors for Alzheimer's

Dr Robert Nagele

Scientists say they are close to developing a test to allow doctors to intervene earlier in fighting the currently incurable condition which affects 850,000 people in Britain.
Doctors say that by detecting the disease early, patients will be able to make lifestyle changes until a drug is discovered.

Alzheimer's affects around 850,000 people in Britain

Dr Robert Nagele, of Rowan University, New Jersey in the US, said: "There are significant benefits to early disease detection because we know that many of the same conditions that lead to vascular disease are significant risk factors for Alzheimer's."

Doctors believe detecting the disease early allows patients to make lifestyle changes