Test May Aid Early Detection of Alzheimers
Posted on: Monday, 31 January 2005, 18:00 CST
U.S. scientists said they have developed the first diagnostic test capable of detecting Alzheimer's disease early in its onset.
The test could help diagnose Alzheimer's in its earliest stages when treatment may be most effective at halting or slowing the course of the disease, scientists at Northwestern University report in the Jan. 31 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The test detects a protein found in cerebrospinal fluid that is thought to cause some of the brain damage that occurs in Alzheimer's. The protein is known as an amyloid beta-derived diffusible ligand or ADDLs.
In the study, the researchers used their test, which utilizes bio-bar-code amplication technology, to measure concentrations of ADDLs in the cerebrospinal fluid of 30 people. Those who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's had higher levels of ADDLs than healthy individuals.
The scientists said they would like to improve the test so it could be used with blood or urine samples.
Source: United Press International
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