Alzheimer's blood test comes closer to reality

A blood test that can accurately detect the presence of Alzheimer's disease before symptoms appear may soon be available.

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.

Robert Nagele's work focuses on utilizing autoantibodies as blood-based biomarkers to accurately detect the presence of myriad diseases and pinpoint the stage to which a disease has progressed.

By detecting Alzheimer's disease long before symptoms emerge, Nagele hopes those with disease-related autoantibody biomarkers will be encouraged to make beneficial lifestyle changes that may help to slow development of the disease.

People found to have preclinical disease can take steps to improve their vascular health, including watching their diet, exercising and managing any weight and blood pressure issues to help stave off or slow disease progression, Nagele said.

The blood test developed by Nagele has also shown promise in detecting other diseases, including Parkinsons's, multiple sclerosis and breast cancer.

The study has been presented at OMED 15 in Orlando.