Scientists have found that Alzheimer's disease can be detected long before the first symptoms appear — as early as age 45. The study showed that a standard blood test can identify biomarkers associated with the development of the disease, opening new possibilities for early diagnosis and prevention.
Alzheimer's disease is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 65. However, scientists are confident that many symptoms of this condition can be noticed much earlier, decades before the diagnosis is made. The authors of a new study found that some biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease can be tracked as early as age 45.
The researchers examined data from the latest screening. They were primarily interested in the protein pTau181 (phosphorylated tau protein at position 181). This is one of the main and most studied biomarkers in the blood indicating the development of Alzheimer's disease.
The scientists wanted to check whether it was possible to track the accumulation of toxic protein through tests in people aged 45. It turned out that even in middle age, this sign can be diagnosed from blood plasma. Additionally, there is another marker that helps determine the disease before noticeable symptoms appear: an abnormally high level of p-tau217 (phosphorylated tau protein 217). This can also be identified through a simple blood plasma test.
This is very important information. Medications for Alzheimer's can slow the progression of the disease but cannot restore already lost cognitive functions. The earlier a patient starts taking the medication, the better the treatment will work. Therefore, early diagnosis will help improve the prognosis for people with Alzheimer's. Furthermore, identifying high levels of toxic proteins can be done with a less invasive and fairly inexpensive test. This will allow people at increased risk to learn about the threat earlier and pay more attention to prevention, writes the New York Post.
Scientists emphasize that the earlier signs of Alzheimer's disease can be detected, the greater the chances of slowing its progression and maintaining the patient's quality of life. The new blood test could make early diagnosis more accessible, faster, and less traumatic, as well as help people pay attention to prevention, vascular health, and brain function in advance.
