Just like diabetes, you will now be able to perform a simple fingertip blood test for Alzheimer’s disease. The new method, not available clinically yet, would help diagnose the degenerative disease in early stages and slow down its progression.
The findings of the study published in Nature Medicine journal showed that the test helped identify disease-related changes with 86 per cent accuracy.
What the Europe-wide study found
As many as 337 patients were tested across Denmark, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom as part of the study led by United States’ institute Banner Health along with the University of Exeter. The study included a group of people with little or no cognitive impairment, those with dementia, and adults with Down syndrome – having a high genetic risk of developing the disease.
How the finger-prick test works
For the study, few drops of blood were collected from the fingertips of the participants and dried on a special card, and were compared to the results from standard blood tests and spinal fluid analyses.
It was found that the main markers used to diagnose the disease in the finger-prick test were quite similar to conventional tests, and the disease-related changes were found with an accuracy of 86 percent.
Why this test could be a game-changer
Finger-prick test for Alzheimer’s can be done from the comforts of home unlike popular diagnostic methods that include brain scans or spinal fluid tests. These are not just more invasive, costly, but also only available in specialised centers, according to the researchers.
“This breakthrough could fundamentally change how we conduct Alzheimer’s research by proving that the same biomarkers doctors use to detect Alzheimer’s pathology can be measured from a simple finger prick collected at home or in more remote community settings,” said Nicholas Ashton, senior director of Banner’s Fluid Biomarker Program and lead investigator of the study.
What causes Alzheimer’s disease
The exact cause of how and why the disease develops isn’t understood, but scientists believe a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors are behind it.
In many cases, it all begins with the accumulation of proteins in the form of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain due to which cells begin to die causing brain to shrink, as per Mayoclinic.
Early and advanced signs to watch out for
The disease silently starts long before appearance of first symptoms and since the damage first occurs in brain regions related to memory, one of the initial symptoms connected to Alzheimer’s disease is memory loss.
As the disease progresses, the loss of neurons spreads to other brain regions as the brain continues to shrink and more problematic symptoms of the disease developing. Soon, the person loses their independence and have to be completely dependent on others even for basic care like eating, brushing teeth bathing, and using the toilet.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, in the late stages of the disease, a person may lose ability to walk, sit or eat, and may lose bowel or bladder control. Eventually full conversations are not possible for an Alzheimer’s patient, even though they may utter selective words or phrases. They also become more prone to get infections like pneumonia.
How Alzheimer’s is diagnosed today
It isn’t easy to tell in the initial stage but a person close to the patient mostly a family member could spot the early signs.
To make the correct diagnosis, healthcare providers perform several types of memory tests like puzzles or word games. These tests may include brain scans, such as CT, MRI, or PET scans.
Should you take an at-home dementia test?
Harvard Health says researchers are not in favour of at-home tests for dementia marketed directly to consumers. The Alzheimer’s Association doesn’t favour these tests as they don’t provide an adequate assessment of your risks.
It is not easy to distinguish between age-related memory changes and early signs of a more worrisome condition. Harvard Health suggests going to a neuropsychologist, neurologist, geriatrician, or geriatric psychiatrist to do the testing who can help them to understand your results.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While the author has incorporated expert medical guidance while producing the story and ensured full authentic information is provided to the reader, you should always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.