Test could identify those at risk of Alzheimer’s 10 years before it develops

PEOPLE with mild cognitive impairment at risk of developing Alzheimer’s could be spotted 10 years before the disease develops, according to a study.

The study was published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, and the research at Lund University, Sweden, involved 140 people with the condition.

Spinal fluid was tested for levels of Alzheimer’s proteins amyloid-beta and tau. It found that more than 90% of participants who had low levels of amyloid-beta and high levels of tau went on to develop Alzheimer’s within a 10-year period.

In contrast, those who had memory impairment but normal values for amyloid-beta and tau did not run a higher risk of getting the disease than healthy individuals.

The study showed also changes in levels of amyloid-beta occur earlier than changes in levels of tau.

Dr Anne Corbett, research manager at Britain’s Alzheimer’s Society, said: “This study adds weight to existing evidence that changes in amyloid-beta and tau could be used to identify people who are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Spotting these signs early ... could help us improve the unacceptably low levels of early diagnosis that currently exist.”