Cindy's Blog

BLOOD TEST TO PREDICT ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

It's always encouraging to me to see news about how the world is progressing in it's battle against Alzheimer's and other dementias. I recently read an article in Medical News Today (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232361.php) that discusses how Dr. Robert Nagele, at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine developed a blood test to determine if a person does or does not have Alzheimer's disease.

This test involves examining blood samples that measure the antibodies the body makes when cells die, so it's a relatively simple test. Their studies showed the test correctly identified 96% of those tested with Alzheimer's, and correctly identified 92.5% of the people in the study who did not have Alzheimer's. They are speculating that the test could be available within a year and may cost around $200.

Early detection of Alzheimer's would facilitate early treatment, and hopefully delay of the progression of the disease. It would also allow families more time to plan for their future and their finances.

There are other laboratories in various stages of testing looking at this type of test, so it sounds pretty hopeful that we will soon have some options for diagnosis that are not so invasive and don't require brain biopsy.

Alzheimer's and Dementia Counseling and Education
call Cindy Keith of M.I.N.D. in Memory Care
(814)-235-0691
keithc@mindinmemorycare.com

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