Researchers have come closer to developing a simple blood test for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease, which can help patients get treatment at the soonest possible time and allow them to make the necessary lifestyle changes to combat the disease, according to HealthDay.
Researchers at the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, N.J. presented their findings at a meeting of the American Osteopathic Association held Sunday in Orlando.
The research team used autoantibodies as biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease, which could help them detect the disease before the symptoms show. This blood test can also detect other diseases like breast cancer, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.
Having conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes contributes to the weakening of vascular health, which could in turn cause brain blood vessels to become brittle as one gets older. For those with Alzheimer's, however, the brain changes long before the onset of symptoms.
"There are significant benefits to early disease detection because we now know that many of the same conditions that lead to vascular disease are also significant risk factors for Alzheimer's," lead study author Robert Nagele said in a press release.
Aside from getting early treatment for Alzheimer's, the blood test can also push patients to develop lifestyle changes, such as exercising and eating a healthy diet, that will help them delay the progression of the disease.
"People found to have preclinical disease can take steps to improve their vascular health, including watching their diet, exercising and managing any weight and blood pressure issues to help stave off or slow disease progression," Nagele said.
At present, no blood test for Alzheimer's disease detection has been approved. The study of Nagele and his team is yet to be published and peer-reviewed, according to HealthDay.
