Scientists have developed a blood test capable of detecting Alzheimer’s disease.
This is neither more nor less than a major development in the field of medical research, and more specifically in work on Alzheimer’s disease. It would soon be possible to replace the heavy examinations involved in its diagnosis by a simple blood test.
The obstacle course of Alzheimer’s detection
Detecting Alzheimer’s disease through a blood test could revolutionize the currently established protocol. Less costly to perform than cerebral imaging and much less painful than a lumbar puncture performed in this way, the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease could be made easier. Indeed, although this pathology is the most frequently encountered form of dementia, establishing a diagnosis can be complex, especially in its first stage.
Current methods for detecting it consist of analyzing specific biomarkers. Research is focusing on neurodegeneration, a process that impairs brain function through loss and damage to neurons and connections.
Rather than meticulously comparing a set of images taken from brain imaging examinations, and to replace the assay intended for the study of biomarkers involved in the development of the disease, a team of researchers is proposing a new solution that is faster and more accessible. Not to mention the delays in obtaining an appointment, Professor Thomas Karikari explains that even in the United States, many patients do not have access to certain medical devices, including MRI and PET-scan technologies. According to him, this is one of the major obstacles to the detection of the disease.
Promising trials and positive prospects for medical research
Currently in the trial phase, such progress would be a great step forward for the medical community. Work related to the development of this blood test led researchers on the trail of a derivative of the tau protein, directly correlated with Alzheimer’s disease.
By carrying out the test by taking blood from 600 patients at various stages of the development of Alzheimer’s, it was found that the blood levels identified on the derivative of this protein correspond to those found in the samples initially taken by puncture. This test would make it possible to distinguish Alzheimer’s from other forms of dementia that can be encountered.
The next step will be to confirm this new protocol on a much larger sample of patients. More generally, Professor Karikari hopes that the ability to check and monitor blood levels of the tau protein derivative will help develop new clinical trials for prescribed treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.
Source : The Guardian
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