Researchers at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden have developed a new method for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease by measuring the level of p-tau217 protein in the blood. Research results published In the American Medical Association Journal of Neurology (JamaNeuro).
Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the accumulation of two substances called beta-amyloid and tau protein in the brain, forming small structures called plaques. They are extracellular deposits associated with disturbances in normal neuron function.
The new test, a blood test, works by measuring the level of p-tau217 in the blood. It is a protein that is an important indicator of the biological changes that occur in the brain during Alzheimer’s disease. It is stated that this protein begins to accumulate in the brain 10-15 years before the first symptoms of the disease appear.
Scientists have already tested the new development on 786 volunteers. The results showed that the innovative method could predict Alzheimer’s disease with 97% accuracy.
The new test is planned to be available to UK citizens within the next three to five years. However, before it can be distributed, the development must be approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and recommended by the National Institute for Healthcare Excellence in the UK.
existed before to create Drugs that reduce the risk of dementia by 20-28%.