Blood test for Alzheimer's disease in early stages

Published 4 May 2011

Scientists from the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) have found a link between the chemical dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and a person’s cognitive and mental status.

The researchers hope it will one day lead to the creation of a blood test for Alzheimer's disease. The study of 86 people promoted the production of DHEA, using a chemical process called oxidation, in blood taken from non-Alzheimer's patients. However, oxidation of blood from Alzheimer's patients did not result in an increase of DHEA. Alzheimer's Society comment:

'Research about the blood test for DHEA is in the very early stages and much more research is now needed to confirm these findings and to better understand whether the DHEA blood test could provide useful information about the diagnosis or progression of Alzheimer's disease. Combining blood tests with other promising techniques including brain scans and spinal fluid tests is likely to provide the most effective results.

'Dementia is the biggest health and social care challenge of our generation. Only with further investment in research can dementia be defeated.'

Professor Clive Ballard
Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society

Research Reference: Rammouza, Lecanua, Aisend, et al. A Lead Study on Oxidative Stress-Mediated Dehydroepiandrosterone Formation in Serum: The Biochemical Basis for a Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease. Journal of Alzheimer's disease24 (2011) 5-16/. May 2011.