Could a Blood Test Predict Alzheimer's Disease?

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Georgetown University School of Medicine has shown that a simple blood test could potentially predict whether an elderly individual will suffer from dementia over the next few years.

Researchers note that this new blood test has a ninety percent success rate that could help a lot of individuals detect problems earlier and determine better treatment options.

Scientists from the university in Washington DC analyzed blood samples from 525 people over the age of 70 as part of a five-year study, according to the BBC.

Fifty-three of the participants developed Alzheimer's or mild cognitive impairment and compared their blood with 53 who did not have memory issues.

Findings showed a difference in the levels of 10 lipids or fats between the two groups.

The test looks at the levels of 10 lipids that are located in the bloodstream, and takes these measurements and estimates if they have any impairments in them, mild or extreme. These 10 lipids have been known to play an important role in memory loss, as well as the decline of your ability to assess situations as we age-and potentially the beginnings of Alzheimer's disease.

"We do not know why all 10 of those lipids are lower in individuals who are predisposed to go on to cognitive impairment," said study author Dr. Howard Federoff, executive dean of the Georgetown University School of Medicine. "We can't directly link this to our current understanding of the pathobiology of Alzheimer's disease."

Researchers stress the importance of catching certain health issues early in order to prevent problems that could be easily treated.

What do you think?

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal Nature Medicine.