A most recent study discussed here measured the levels of amyloid beta in the blood, identifying people with altered levels of amyloid beta in their brains or cerebrospinal fluid. This blood-based screening test would predict the potential development of Alzheimer’s, years before they could be diagnosed based on symptoms. Decades before people with Alzheimer’s disease develop memory loss and confusion, their brains develop plaques of amyloid beta – thought to contribute to the disease and its progression.
Issues with current technology used for assessment PET scanning: expensive and not widely available Spinal tap: invasive and requires a specialized medical procedure The novel approach measures the levels of the biomarker from the blood. As the brain engages in activities, it continually produces and clears away amyloid beta, which either flushes into the blood or floats in CSF.…
