A new study published in Nature Medicine has introduced a blood test that can gauge how far Alzheimer’s disease has progressed. The test analyzes levels of a protein called MTBR-tau243, which correlates to the amount of tau accumulation in the brain. The accuracy of this test compared to brain scans is 92%.
Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine and Lund University found that higher amounts of tau accumulation are associated with more severe Alzheimer’s symptoms. The study analyzed blood samples from 163 people experiencing various levels of cognitive decline, including presymptomatic to early-stage to late-stage dementia.
The test has the potential to confirm whether Alzheimer’s or another condition is causing a person’s symptoms. Additionally, it can help determine the most beneficial treatment for patients by identifying the clinical stage of dementia.
The researchers note that current measures of brain changes in Alzheimer’s disease, such as amyloid plaques and tau tangles, are not easily accessible. This new blood test provides a more accurate indication of Alzheimer’s symptoms and may aid doctors in tailoring treatments to individual patient needs.
While the study is promising, further research is needed to replicate and expand the results in larger populations. The Alzheimer’s Association emphasizes the importance of continued research into early detection methods.
This new development brings hope for personalized medicine in Alzheimer’s disease treatment, with the potential to optimize treatment plans based on individual patient stages.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/new-blood-test-diagnoses-alzheimers-disease-measures-how-far-progressed