New Research May Be Able to Detect Alzheimer's a Decade In Advance

Alzheimer's disease is nothing to shirk at. It is a serious degenerative brain disease that over time can rob a patient of their independence and even their personalities. But what if Alzheimer's disease could be diagnosed a decade before the first symptoms occurred? Well, a new research study is looking to do just that.

A study conducted in Spain found that testing cerebral spinal fluid may be able to detect signs of dementia and Alzheimer's disease - up to ten years in advance. This particular study was published in the Annals of Neurology and was lead by Dr Ramon Trullas, a research professor at the CSIC Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona. When speaking of the research, he said, "If our initial findings can be replicated by other laboratories, the results will change the way we currently think about the causes of Alzheimer's disease." That is a pretty bold statement. However, given the hypothesis of the study, perhaps researchers have reason to be enthusiastic.

They believe that having low levels of mitochondrial DNA in the cerebral spinal fluid can be indicative that a patient will develop Alzheimer's disease over time. Their hypothesis is essentially that these lower levels can reduce power to the brain, which can trigger the disease and ultimately, death. The study found that patients currently at risk for developing the disease as well as patients with symptoms of Alzheimer's, had lower levels of mitochondrial DNA than others in their age group.

So, what does this new research really mean? If the hypothesis is correct, it could dramatically impact the way we deal with Alzheimer's disease. For instance, knowing in advance that someone would develop the disease changes their day-to-day life. It would allow people to really focus on preventative measures, like diet and exercise, as a way to delay the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms. This would also give patients and their families ample time to consider proper care and treatment options. A diagnosis a decade in advance would open up a lot of doors and improve the quality of life for patients as they deal with the disease.

If accurate, this study could also change Alzheimer's research. Researchers could then re-focus their goals by trying to treat or prevent the disease before any of the symptoms appear. The research team responsible for this hypothesis believe that drugs could be used to prevent the build-up of proteins in the brain that are often linked to the development of the disease. Clearly, this study re-evaluates the way we look at Alzheimer's disease and its treatment.

At any rate, it's an interesting thought. If Alzheimer's disease could be detected a decade in advance, steps could be taken to prevent or delay the onset. This could mean years of living without the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease - which could dramatically impact the lives of patients all around the world. If anything, this new study provides hope...hope for treatment and hope for early detection. Both could radically change the way we perceive Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's is a serious issue for millions of people around the world. However, with new research, ideas, and studies being done every single day, there is no denying that things are changing. While this early detection method is still just beginning, it may be the start of a life-changing approach.

Are you looking for more information about the latest news, like the early detection of Alzheimer's disease? Contact the Age Matters Clinic at: 647-268-0620. We understand how to improve the life of Alzheimer's and memory loss patients.