Scientists may have found a way to detect Alzheimer's disease earlier: a simple, midlife blood test.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have made a connection between two blood biomarkers and cognitive function in middle-aged women. To reach these findings, published in the Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, the scientists analyzed these two biomarkers in 192 middle-aged women. They also tested their neurological function.
They discovered that higher levels of one biomarker were linked to rapid cognitive decline. Lower levels of the other biomarker were also associated with faster cognitive decline.
This suggests that just a simple blood test could help scientists predict Alzheimer's at earlier stages of life.
Over 6 million Americans have Alzheimer's, according to the Alzheimer's Association, but there is still much we don't know about the disease, including what causes it. This means it is hard to prevent, but early detection helps. If the disease is found early on, it opens the door to more treatment options.
Symptoms of Alzheimer's usually progress very slowly over a number of years, meaning it can be difficult to detect through this alone. Early signs generally include forgetting recent conversations or events, asking questions repetitively, and having difficulty finding the right words to describe things.
"This is a new area of study, and it is very promising, but of course, we are in need of a larger and more diverse sample," Xin Wang, a research assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health said in a press release detailing the findings.
The blood biomarker tests could lead to "less invasive, possibly more affordable methods of neurological testing," according to the researchers.
Alzheimer's detection usually relies on complex and expensive tests, such as lumbar punctures, to test for cerebral fluid and PET scans.
"It's important to note that the presence of the biomarkers that we tested doesn't mean there is Alzheimer's Disease," Wang said. "However, we know they are a central part of neuropathological changes. These pathological changes are important to know of earlier than later."
Middle-aged women were chosen as this is a "pivotal period" and usually the best time to identify changes. Menopausal transition in women can lead to a decline in estrogen levels, which can, in turn, affect cognitive abilities, the university reported. During this age, there is also a higher chance of developing other conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.
These two things can also play a part in cognitive decline.
The researchers stress that more research, using a larger sample, is required to consolidate these findings. However, these initial results are very positive and may bring scientists closer to understanding and, thus, preventing the disease.
"[The research is] an important building block for research with a larger, more diverse sample," Wang said.
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