A new study shows that blood tests can detect signs of Alzheimer's several years before the disease develops. American researchers published the findings in The Lancet.
American researchers examined blood samples from 1 350 people without dementia with a mean age of 61 in a study published in The Lancet. Levels of the protein phosphorylated tau were found to rise already in the 60s.
86 participants had elevated levels and performed worse on cognitive tests. These individuals also declined faster at follow-ups every five years.
Henrik Zetterberg at the University of Gothenburg says the blood test is simpler than current methods. He stresses there is no reason for broad testing today since effective treatments are lacking in Sweden.
