Washington: Researchers have developed a new test to diagnose people with high risk of cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s. In a major breakthrough in the world of medical research, the study claims of a simple blood test to diagnose Alzheimer’s three years before its onset.
The study heralds the potential for developing treatment strategies for Alzheimer’s at an earlier stage, when therapy would be more effective at slowing or preventing onset of symptoms.
It is the first known published report of blood-based biomarkers for preclinical Alzheimer’s. The test identifies 10 lipids, or fats, in the blood that predict disease onset. It could be ready for use in clinical studies in as few as two years and, researchers say, other diagnostic uses are possible.
The study is published in journal Nature Medicine.