Scientists are calling a new blood test for Alzheimer’s a game-changer.
Scientists reported a blood test could detect changes in the brain 20 years before dementia occurs. The study about the test was initially published in a JAMA report Tuesday.
The test focuses a compound in the blood called a tau protein, which is one of the hallmark signs of Alzheimer’s. The protein is one of several that becomes abnormal as the disease changes in the brain.
“It can probably identify people who are at risk for Alzheimer’s disease, and it’s probably going to lead to a change in our definition of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. David Gill, director of Unity Hospital’s Memory Center, to 13WHAM.
The test still needs FDA approval.
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