Researchers get closer to Alzheimer's blood test

Researchers have moved one step closer to developing an inexpensive blood test to diagnose Alzheimer's disease.

A study at the Emory University School of Medicine has found a group of markers that indicate the presence of the condition.

Statistical analysis among three different, independent groups of patients with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease found that changes in blood levels of apolipoprotein E, B-type natriuretic peptide, C-reactive protein and pancreatic polypeptide correlated with beta-amyloid in cerebrospinal fluid. Beta-amyloid has long been implicated in the development Alzheimer's.

Lead author Dr William Hu claims that one of the most important things about the findings is they prove it is possible to show consistent figures.

"Reliability and failure to replicate initial results have been the biggest challenge in this field," he explained.

The reproducible data brings the prospect of a blood test to diagnose Alzheimer's into view.

It will be key for the disease, which is currently only identified through an array of tests, interviews and questionnaires.

Find out more about Alzheimer's disease care at Barchester homes.