London: Scientists have identified a blood test that could diagnose Alzheimer’s up to 15 years before symptoms appear. Experts believe that this test will revolutionize the early diagnosis of the disease.
Research led by University College London found the test to be more accurate and better than other tests for painful lumbar punctures.
Experts said the test could pave the way for a nationwide screening program for people over the age of 50, and that existing treatments could work better if the disease is diagnosed early.
The developed test works by measuring the amount of a protein in the blood called p-tau 217, which changes in the brain during Alzheimer’s disease.
This index may indicate the severity of the patient’s illness, eliminating the need for more invasive investigations.
David Curtis, honorary professor at University College London’s Institute of Genetics, said anyone over the age of 50 could benefit from regular screening every few years, just like screening for cholesterol.
He said that existing treatments have the potential to work better after early diagnosis of the disease.
In a study led by University College London, Dr. Ashton Nichols at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden tested 786 people, the results of which were published in the journal Neurology.
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