News: Blood test could detect Alzheimer’s sooner
Updated: Mar. 11, 2013
Would you want to know if you were at risk for Alzheimer’s disease decades before the symptoms manifested? Thanks to
Would you want to know if you were at risk for Alzheimer’s disease decades before the symptoms manifested?
Thanks to a new test from British researchers, you may be able to.
The test, reports the BBC, could detect Alzheimer’s in its earliest stages, by looking for ‘markers’ in the blood that indicate the disease’s presence.
“Our findings are exciting because they show that it is technically possible to distinguish between healthy people and those with Alzheimer’s using a blood test,’ Professor Kevin Morgan from the University of Nottingham told the BBC.
While an incredible advancement, the test may be a scary prospect for some.
After all’some people would rather not know that their memories will soon be stolen away’especially when it’s out of their control.
However, early detection could mean a more conclusive diagnosis‘so people won’t be left wondering what’s wrong when their symptoms start to manifest. It also means that they can be monitored and given the best possible treatment (though there is no cure).
What do you think? Would you want to know earlier so you could be monitored? Or would you rather not think about it until you had to?
-Katharine Watts, Associate Web Editor
Related:
‘ Foods that fight memory loss
‘ Alzheimer’s disease
‘ 5 workouts for your brain
