Alzheimer's disease may soon be detected through a blood test: study

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A new study from the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, New Jersey identified a possible blood test to help diagnose Alzheimer's disease, making it easier for physicians to intervene and treat the medical condition, Eureka Alert reports. Dr. Robert Nagele, the lead author, presented their findings during the annual Osteopathic Medical Conference & Exposition (OMED) in Orlando, Florida last Sunday, October 18th. Currently, there is no exact blood test to help detect Alzheimer's disease and if developed further, it can lower the risk of complications and mortality.

Dr. Nagele states, "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. 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."

Medical News Today writes that the team focused on using auto antibodies as blood bio markers in detecting the progression of disease and identifying what stage it is. The researchers based it on how the presence of auto antibodies in the blood becomes the waste system of cell debris from organs and tissues of the body. While each individual shows a different and unique antibody profile based on age and sex, the disease present in the body can cause several changes that can reveal the specific type of condition.

In Alzheimer's disease, changes are already seen even before a person is diagnosed. Through the use of these auto antibodies, medical experts will be able to inform their physician, providing them with ample time to change their lifestyles or get treatment before it's too late. This early intervention will be able to prevent and hinder the progression of fatal and devastating symptoms.

Furthermore, this blood test can also help detect other medical conditions such as breast cancer, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease, NDTV adds. Experts understand that there is no known reason why Alzheimer's disease occurs but like in any disease management, a healthy blood-brain barrier should be maintained as preventive measure.

Dr. Jennifer Caudle, a family medicine assistant professor at the University, shares that as physicians, they always make sure that patients are informed how a healthy lifestyle is the best answer for disease prevention, Eureka Alert adds. The study will be a great way to even help patients take actions in avoiding the lethal effects of Alzheimer's disease.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation and Osteopathic Heritage Foundation have both provided grants for the research to go through.