What new method can detect Alzheimer's disease, according to Nicholas Ashton?

Nicholas Ashton and his colleagues tested a new method using a few drops of blood obtained from a fingertip and dried on a card to detect Alzheimer's disease.

How accurate is the new Alzheimer's finger-prick test?

The finger-prick test was able to detect Alzheimer's-related changes in spinal fluid with about 86 percent accuracy.

When will the new Alzheimer's blood test be available?

The team cautions that the technique is not ready for clinical use yet and requires more research before becoming a routine tool.

Home / Science / Simple Blood Test May Detect Alzheimer's Early

Simple Blood Test May Detect Alzheimer's Early

5 Jan

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Summary

A new fingertip blood test shows promise for Alzheimer's detection.
Test measures key proteins like p-tau217, GFAP, and NfL.
This simple method could allow for accessible screening worldwide.

Simple Blood Test May Detect Alzheimer's Early

A revolutionary new method for detecting Alzheimer's disease may soon be available, requiring only a simple finger prick. Researchers have developed a test using dried blood spots from a fingertip to measure proteins linked to Alzheimer's, such as p-tau217, GFAP, and NfL. In a study of 337 participants, this innovative approach demonstrated about 86% accuracy in identifying Alzheimer's-related changes, closely aligning with results from traditional blood tests.

The simplicity of this finger-prick technique is a significant breakthrough, as participants could collect their own samples. This accessibility could be vital for individuals in remote areas or those at higher risk, including people with Down Syndrome. While not yet ready for clinical use, further research is anticipated to refine the test.

If successful, this minimally invasive test could revolutionize Alzheimer's research and screening. Early detection, which can begin decades before symptoms appear, is crucial for improving quality of life and opening doors to timely treatments for millions affected by the neurodegenerative condition.