2026-05-29 13:01:43
A new study has suggested that a blood test could soon detect Alzheimer’s decades before symptoms appear.
Researchers believe that the disease may be present in midlife and that blood tests that measure the hallmark proteins associated with Alzheimer’s could prove to be “incredibly valuable”.
In the study published in The Lancet, the research team explained: “These findings support the concept that Alzheimer’s disease begins decades before clinical symptoms emerge and highlight the potential value of plasma biomarkers for early detection in the general population.
“Identifying individuals with early Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology through accessible, blood-based assays could help target preventive strategies and clinical trials aimed at delaying or preventing the onset of dementia, with implications for both clinical practice and public health policy.”
Dr Jacqui Hanley, the head of research funding at Alzheimer’s Research UK, believes the new research could prove to be a game-changer for Alzheimer’s detection.
About a million people in the UK currently have dementia, according to research, which suggests that the headline figure could rise to 1.4 million people by 2040.
Dr Hanley told Sky News: “Being able to identify these changes sooner than we can now could be incredibly valuable.
“If we can identify Alzheimer’s disease earlier on, it would open up opportunities for people to take part in studies of new treatments. We could also identify people who might benefit from disease-modifying treatments that are indicated for early-stage disease.
“In the UK, many people wait far too long for a dementia diagnosis, meaning they often miss out on these opportunities.”
Visit Bang Premier (main website)
