Medical researchers with the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine are zeroing in on an accurate test for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease.
Medical researchers with the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine are zeroing in on an accurate test for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease.
The antibody test for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease is a breakthrough that could soon offer both physicians and patients the possibility to intervene before the neurodegenerative disease sets in.
As no blood test is currently approved by the FDA specifically targeting Alzheimer’s disease, the antibody test would fill an empty space on the market. 5.3 million U.S. citizens are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Across the U.S. the disease is among the ten most frequent causes of death.
How is an antibody test effective?
The human body hosts thousands of antibodies which specifically target the cellular debris. The antibodies present in our body may act as biomarkers under certain conditions. Biomarkers indicate the presence of certain diseases in our body. At the same time, they are highly effective in determining the progress of a given disease.
In the case of Alzheimer’s, it has been determined that changes occur within a patient’s brain years before the disease sets in. As such, antibodies are activated immediately. With an antibody test it becomes less difficult to detect Alzheimer’s disease in the preclinical stage. For people who could be potentially affected by the neurodegenerative symptoms, the early detection could be a lifesaving opportunity.
The accurate test for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease offers physicians the window or timeframe necessary to indicate changes in a patient’s lifestyle. There are other medical conditions that impact the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Having a high cholesterol, diabetes, or high blood pressure, as well as a high BMI negatively impact the vascular system. To prevent Alzheimer’s, the blood-brain barrier needs to remain healthy.
As such, making healthier choices and changes concerning one’s lifestyle make a difference for the onset of Alzheimer’s.
Blood vessels in the brain start weakening with age. With this process, plasma components which include antibodies are allowed in the blood vessels. Here, the antibodies tie to neurons, acceleration the creation of beta-amyloid deposits. The process is specific to the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease.
The accurate test for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease could also be used in other medical applications including the early detection of Parkinson’s.
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