Subscribe to our Voices Dispatches email to receive a comprehensive summary of the top opinions from the week.
Register for our complimentary Voices newsletter, delivered weekly.
According to research, a blood test may be equally precise in detecting Alzheimer’s disease without the discomfort and invasiveness of lumbar punctures.
Experts suggest that measuring the levels of p-tau217 protein in the blood may be equally effective in identifying early indicators of Alzheimer’s disease compared to other tests currently being developed.
The protein serves as an indicator of biological alterations occurring in the brain during the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Experts say that the recent discoveries could potentially “transform” the diagnosis process for individuals who are suspected to have Alzheimer’s.
This contributes to an increasing amount of proof that this specific test has great potential to transform the diagnosis process for individuals with suspected Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s Research UK, Dr Sheona Scales
In a research involving 786 individuals, the scientists utilized the ALZpath p-tau217 test to classify patients into three groups: highly probable, moderately probable, and unlikely to have Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr Richard Oakley, associate director of research and innovation at the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “This study is a hugely welcome step in the right direction as it shows that blood tests can be just as accurate as more invasive and expensive tests at predicting if someone has features of Alzheimer’s disease in their brain.
”
Moreover, it indicates that the findings from these examinations may be precise enough to eliminate the need for additional follow-up inquiries for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. This could greatly expedite the process of diagnosing the disease in the future.
“Further research is needed in various communities to determine the overall efficacy of blood tests for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.”
At present, the sole method of verifying the presence of protein buildup in the brain is through a lumbar puncture or an amyloid PET scan. These options are only offered at approximately one out of every 20 memory clinics within the NHS.
A procedure called lumbar puncture involves the insertion of a needle into the lower back, specifically between the vertebrae in the spine.
According to Dr. Sheona Scales, who is the director of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, this study indicates that evaluating levels of a protein known as p-tau217 in the blood may be just as reliable as lumbar punctures, which are currently used to detect the biological indicators of Alzheimer’s disease. This approach may also be more effective than other tests currently being developed.
“This contributes to a growing collection of proof that this specific test has immense potential to transform the diagnosis process for individuals with suspected Alzheimer’s.”
Nevertheless, she stated the necessity for a more comprehensive understanding of the daily performance of these blood tests in actual healthcare systems.
David Curtis, a professor at the UCL Genetics Institute at University College London, suggests that individuals over the age of 50 should be regularly screened every few years, similar to how they are currently screened for high cholesterol.
”
It is possible that the treatments currently available for Alzheimer’s disease may be more effective for those who are diagnosed early using this method.
”
Nevertheless, I believe there is potential for the development of improved treatments in the future.
A straightforward screening test coupled with a successful treatment for Alzheimer’s disease could have a significant effect on individuals and society.
The research conducted by Dr. Nicholas Ashton and his team at the University of Gothenburg has been published in the journal Jama Neurology.
Source: independent.co.uk
