Washington : Researchers in Spain have taken a step closer to finding a blood test to help in the diagnosis of Alzheimer`s disease.
With approximately 75 percent of the estimated 36 million Alzheimer`s sufferers worldwide yet to receive a reliable diagnosis, the potential impact on the lives of possible sufferers, present and future, could be huge.
Alzheimer`s disease is a neurodegenerative disease most frequently affecting the elderly.
The most commonly associated symptom is a progressive loss of memory to the stage in which the patient is completely dependent on caregivers for their daily needs.
There is a large amount of research supporting the theory that a group of peptides called beta amyloid, which are found naturally in the body, are major contributors to Alzheimer`s disease.
Through a process, so far unclear to science, there is a build up of these peptides in the brain that over a period of years cause memory complaints and other symptoms associated with the disease.
Professor Manuel Sarasa, CSO and founder of Spanish research company Araclon Biotech, and his team have been perfecting blood tests "ABtest40" and "ABtest42" to measure the very small amounts of these peptides in the blood.
"The study has shown that our tests for beta amyloid; in blood find a high level of association between the peptide levels and the disease when comparing healthy people and people with mild cognitive impairment" ((MCI) the earliest noticeable stages of memory loss.)
"By measuring three different levels in blood, free in plasma, bound to plasma components and bound to blood cells, for two of the most significant peptides, beta amyloid 40 and beta amyloid 42, then comparing the ratios of those levels to established diagnoses methods, we have been able to consistently show a relationship between beta amyloid; levels and the disease.
"This means that we, and by `we` I mean Alzheimer`s` researchers in general, are that much closer to having a reliable, minimally invasive biomarker for Alzheimer`s disease," he added.
ANI
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Cookies Setting
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device and the processing of information obtained via those cookies (including about your preferences, device and online activity) by us and our commercial partners to enhance site navigation, personalise ads, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. More information can be found in our Cookies and Privacy Policy. You can amend your cookie settings to reject non-essential cookies by clicking Cookie Settings below.
Manage Consent Preferences
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work or you may not be able to login.
Functional Cookies
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly.
Targeting Cookies
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advert as well as help measure the effectiveness of an advertising campaign. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
Performance Cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we may not know when you have visited our site, and may not be able to monitor its performance.