The results of a new study were published and they are spectacular! The study reveals new information that brings us closer to developing a blood test to predict Alzheimer’s disease.
The study was conducted by the Proteome Sciences and King’s College in London, UK. Blood samples were taken from 1,148 people: 476 patients with Alzheimer’s disease, 220 with MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) and 452 controls without dementia. They were tested for 26 proteins that have been previously known to be associated with the disease. Following the results, the scientists identified one set of 10 proteins out of the known 26 capable of predicting whether people with MCI would develop Alzheimer’s disease within a year. The accuracy of the test was 87%, which is amazing.
Memory problems are very common in people, especially the elderly, but as Abdul Hye, lead author of the study, the key is to identify who is more likely to develop dementia. The set of 10 proteins can predict with a high level of accuracy if someone who has memory loss or mild cognitive impairment will develop Alzheimer’s disease within a year. The researchers are working at improving the detection rates and are optimistic about the test.
Jeremy hunt, the UK Secretary of State for Health had this to say about this matter:
This is welcome research on an issue we’ve made a national priority. Developing tests and biomarkers will be important steps forward in the global fight against dementia as we search for a cure.
Naturally, it is too early to tell when this test would become available, but we are allowed to show excitement over this study. Many are wondering what the point is of developing a test to identify those at risk, when there is no cure for Alzheimer’s. Those people should know that such a test could potentially help find a cure for the disease, or at least a way to stop it in its tracks. Most Alzheimer’s patients don’t get help until the brain has deteriorated too much and with such a test, help could come before clinical signs appear.
What are your thoughts on this test to predict Alzheimer’s disease? How much do you think we’re going to have to wait until it becomes available? Do you have anyone in your family who is suffering from this disease? Care to share your story or thoughts? Drop us a line in the comment section below, we would like to hear from you.
