New cfDNA Blood Test for Early Detection of Alzheimer's Disease

New blood test shows potential for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. Nearly seven million Americans are affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Traditional diagnostic methods often identify the disease at the end stage or after damage to the brain.

Early Blood Test for Alzheimer’s Detection

Brigham Young University (BYU) researchers, in collaboration with the University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (KU ADRC), are testing a groundbreaking blood test that detects Alzheimer’s in its earliest stages. The test identifies cell-free DNA (cfDNA) released into the bloodstream when brain cells die. By analyzing these DNA fragments and their chemical markers, scientists can detect early signs of neurodegeneration even before symptoms are visible.

The scientists are analyzing 775 Alzheimer’s patient samples collected over 12 years, to validate the test for clinical use. If the test proves its efficiency, this technology could revolutionize early detection, allowing doctors to monitor disease progression and find effective treatments.

Single Blood Test to Detect Multiple Brain Diseases

Preliminary findings from Jenkins’s lab have shown that elevated levels of cell-free DNA from cortical neurons in the blood are associated with Alzheimer’s disease and cases of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) that progress to Alzheimer’s. The team has modified their methods to enhance detection accuracy and sensitivity.

The test is being developed in partnership with biotechnology company Resonant, working on similar blood tests for Parkinson’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and traumatic brain injuries. The goal is to create a single test for multiple neurodegenerative conditions.

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Source-Medindia