Predicting onset of Alzheimer’s with a simple blood test

 

Predicting the onset of Alzheimer’s with a simple blood test

In recent years we are seeing the development of an increasing number of tests that rely on a simple blood sample to predict the onset of disease before it has shown any symptoms. Previously we have reported on how blood tests can screen for cancer. Now we will see how they can help predict the onset of Alzheimer's.

ALZHEIMERS

Over 50 million people live with dementia globally, and this is likely to double in just 10 years' time. About 70% of this is caused by Alzheimer's, a chronic neurodegenerative disease with devastating outcomes that is actually quite poorly understood. Though the symptoms of Alzheimer's can be quite noticeable, in particular short term memory loss, behavioural changes, mood swings and the loss of a persons ability to care for themselves, it is difficult to definitively diagnose without samples of brain tissue. When examined under a microscope it is possible to see the presence of amyloid deposits. These misfolded proteins form plaques that are near impossible for the body to destroy, resulting in loss of neuronal function and a slow decline in the person’s cognitive ability.