New tests could help in mission to improve Alzheimer's diagnosis rates

The two studies were presented at the International Conference of Alzheimer's Disease. The first study, carried out in Perth, Australia compared blood samples and brain scans from 273 people with Alzheimer's. From this they identified nine markers in the blood which when combined can predict whether a person had significant build up of amyloid in the brain - a hallmark of Alzheimer's. The model was 88 per cent accurate. A second study from Lund University in Sweden analysed amyloid and tau in spinal fluid from 137 people with mild cognitive impairment. They found 90 per cent of people with MCI and detectable levels of these proteins developed Alzheimer's within 10 years.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'It is important we find new and effective ways of improving diagnosis of dementia. This research provides more evidence that markers in blood and spinal fluid could be at least part of the answer for identifying Alzheimer's. As many as 60 per cent of people with dementia never receive a diagnosis despite the fact a timely diagnosis is essential if people are to gain access to vital services and treatments and plan for the future.

'More research is now needed to enable us to gain a better understanding of how Alzheimer's develops. Only then will we know for sure whether tests such as blood tests could one day provide a reliable diagnostic tool.'

Anne Corbett
Research Manager
Alzheimer's Society

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Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051 
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them 
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland 
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk 
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
  

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