Scientists Closing in on Alzheimer’s Blood Test

Researchers from the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine are nearing development of a blood test that can accurately detect the presence of Alzheimer’s disease, which would give physicians an opportunity to intervene at the earliest, most treatable stage.

The research is presented this week by Dr. Robert Nagele, PhD, at the American Osteopathic Association’s Osteopathic Medical Conference and Exposition (OMED15) in Orlando, FL. A new study uses autoantibodies as blood-based biomarkers to detect the disease as well as its progression.

“‘There are significant benefits to early disease detection because we now know that numerous same conditions that lead to vascular disease are also significant risk factors for Alzheimer’s”, Nagele said. Blood vessels become more prone to damage as people age, and this may cause the autoantibodies to leak out and potentially bind to brain neurons to form aggregates. Diabetes, stroke, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and an excessively high BMI all endanger vascular health. Although the primary cause of this neurodegenerative disease is still unclear, it may be beneficial if one maintains a healthy blood-brain barrier. Currently, there is no exact blood test to help detect Alzheimer’s disease and if developed further, it can lower the risk of complications and mortality. While this doesn’t sound like anything close to a cure, an early diagnosis means earlier treatment for patients, not to mention the significantly lower price tag on a blood test in comparison to a brain scan. The autoantibodies then can attach to nerves and speed up the formation of amyloid layers, a characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. His team’s research on the role of autoantibodies explains that: All humans possess thousands of autoantibodies in their blood.

By recognizing the early biomarkers of the development of Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Nagele hopes that physicians can recommend lifestyle changes that could slow the progression of the disease and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Since Alzheimer’s-related brain changes typically occur years before the first symptoms emerge, the new blood test would enable at-risk patients to make lifestyle choices or begin being treated by their doctors before becoming symptomatic, Dr. Nagele’s team said. While each individual shows a different and unique antibody profile based on age and sex, the disease present in the body can cause several changes that can reveal the specific type of condition.

“I can’t think of a single patient who wouldn’t take steps to prevent the progression of Alzheimer’s if they could directly affect their prognosis”, said Claude. “We also know that many people tune out messages about nutrition and exercise until a health crisis gets their attention”, added Jennifer Caudle, DO, assistant professor of family medicine at Rowan University.