Identification of Biological Markers Brings Us Closer to Early Blood Tests for Dementia
Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in the development of a blood test that can predict the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, more than a decade before a patient is officially diagnosed. The discovery of biological markers in blood samples from over 50,000 healthy volunteers enrolled in the UK Biobank project has provided hope for the development of this test.
By analyzing the blood samples, scientists identified patterns in four proteins that can predict the development of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia in older individuals. When combined with traditional risk factors such as age, gender, education, and genetic susceptibility, this protein profile can detect dementia with an estimated 90% accuracy nearly 15 years before clinical confirmation.
With over 55 million people worldwide suffering from dementia, a number expected to reach 78 million by 2030, this breakthrough offers the potential to revolutionize the early detection of the disease. Professor Jianfeng Feng, from the University of Warwick and Fudan University in China, envisions developing this discovery into a screening kit for use in the NHS.
The implications of an early blood test for dementia are profound. It would allow doctors to identify patients who are most likely to develop the condition and initiate further evaluation, including a comprehensive diagnostic test for Alzheimer’s disease. This is particularly crucial as the UK medicines regulator reviews two new drugs for Alzheimer’s disease—lecanemab and donanemab—both of which have shown promising results in slowing the progression of the disease in early-stage patients. However, the availability of these drugs on the NHS will depend on a careful assessment of their costs and benefits by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
While the potential benefits of an early blood test for dementia are evident, challenges still remain. The administration of the new drugs requires regular injections every two weeks, and patients must undergo MRI scans to monitor potential side effects such as brain swelling or bleeding. The work towards developing a simple blood test for Alzheimer’s disease is already underway, but further research is needed to validate its efficacy in diverse populations.
In the latest study, blood samples collected from 52,645 UK adults without dementia between 2006 and 2010 were analyzed. Over 1,400 participants developed dementia. Using artificial intelligence, researchers identified abnormal levels of four proteins—Gfap, Nef1, Gdf15, and Ltbp2—in individuals who later developed dementia. Elevated levels of these proteins served as warning signs for the disease. For example, elevated levels of Gfap indicated inflammation in the brain, which is often associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
While this breakthrough holds great promise, the researchers acknowledge that the cost of the test needs to be reduced to make it accessible for widespread use. Currently, the test costs several hundred pounds. Alzheimer’s Research UK and other organizations are working to gather more evidence to support the implementation of blood tests for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease.
In conclusion, the identification of biological markers in blood samples has brought us closer to developing early blood tests for predicting dementia. This breakthrough offers hope for earlier detection and intervention, paving the way for more effective treatment and management of this devastating disease. The potential of blood tests for dementia, alongside new drug therapies, could transform the lives of millions of people affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia worldwide.
Keywords: dementia, blood test, biological markers, early detection, Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, UK Biobank, protein profile, screening kit, NHS, new drugs for Alzheimer’s disease, lecanemab, donanemab, costs and benefits, MRI scans, inflammation, affordability.
