Revolutionary Blood Test Spots Alzheimer's Decades Sooner

Dementia, the UK's leading cause of death, is often diagnosed late. However, new blood tests are in development that could detect Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, up to 20 years before symptoms emerge. These tests hold the promise of early intervention through lifestyle changes and targeted drugs, offering the best hope against the disease in the absence of a cure. Current diagnostic methods involve cognitive tests and brain scans, but these new blood tests could significantly expedite the process. Researchers are developing tests that can identify toxic proteins in the blood, such as ACU193+, which are present two decades before symptoms. A finger-prick test, similar to those used by diabetes patients, is also being explored for convenient home use and laboratory analysis.

Two promising blood tests are under investigation. One, developed by Northwestern University, identifies ACU193+ proteins, with a drug candidate named NU-9 showing potential to halt these toxic proteins in mice. Another test, the Fujirebio Lumipulse assay, detects the pTau217 protein, a key indicator of Alzheimer's hallmarks like tau tangles and amyloid plaques. This test is being trialled at University College Hospital in London with the aim of becoming routinely available on the NHS. While widespread use of these advanced blood tests is still some way off, experts believe they could transform Alzheimer's diagnosis, which currently takes too long and leaves one in three people with dementia undiagnosed. Early and accurate diagnosis is deemed a critical priority with new treatments on the horizon.