New Test Could Detect Alzheimer’s Signs a Decade Before Brain Scans
Alzheimer’s disease, which affects an estimated 7 million Americans, is notoriously difficult to detect, especially in its initial stages. Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh say they have developed a new biomarker test that may lead to earlier diagnoses and more treatment options.
Biomarker Test Identifies Early Stages of Tau Tangle Formation
“Our test identifies very early stages of tau tangle formation — up to a decade before any tau clumps can show up on a brain scan,” said senior study author Thomas Karikari, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Pitt School of Medicine.
Tau is a naturally occurring protein that helps stabilize nerve cells. Along with another protein, amyloid beta, tau can build up in the brain and disturb cell function.
How the Test Works
The new Pitt test is a spinal tap, where a needle extracts cerebrospinal fluid that’s examined for clumping-prone tau.
Karikari and his team pinpointed the primary site where tau molecules can abnormally bind together and form tangles.
Early Detection and Treatment
Early detection of tangle-prone tau could identify individuals who are likely to develop Alzheimer’s-associated cognitive decline and could be helped with new generation therapies,” Karikari said.
There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s, but certain medications can help slow the cognitive decline that’s characteristic of the disease.
What’s Different from Other Tests
Other tests measure the level of amyloid beta, which forms plaques in the brain, but Karikari said the clumping of tau is more of a defining event for Alzheimer’s.
“Amyloid beta is a kindling, and tau is a matchstick,” Karikari explained. “A large percentage of people who have brain amyloid-beta deposits will never develop dementia. But once the tau tangles light up on a brain scan, it may be too late to put out the fire and their cognitive health can quickly deteriorate.”
FDA Approval and Future Plans
Karikari’s findings were published last week in the journal Nature Medicine.
The spinal tap hasn’t been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, so it’s not available for use. Researchers hope to eventually make it a blood test.
Conclusion
The new biomarker test has the potential to revolutionize the detection of Alzheimer’s disease, allowing for earlier diagnoses and more effective treatment options. By identifying the early stages of tau tangle formation, healthcare professionals can provide targeted interventions to slow or stop the progression of the disease.
FAQs
Q: What is the new biomarker test?
A: The new biomarker test is a spinal tap that extracts cerebrospinal fluid to examine for clumping-prone tau.
Q: How does it work?
A: The test identifies the primary site where tau molecules can abnormally bind together and form tangles.
Q: Is the test approved by the FDA?
A: No, the test is not approved by the FDA, but researchers hope to eventually make it a blood test.
Q: What are the implications for early detection and treatment?
A: Early detection of tangle-prone tau could identify individuals who are likely to develop Alzheimer’s-associated cognitive decline and could be helped with new generation therapies.
