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Researchers develop blood test to predict Alzheimer's progression

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

A blood test for certain fats may predict how rapidly the condition of Alzheimer's patients is likely to progress, according to a new study. The findings could help medical professionals know which patients need the most immediate intervention.

The researchers said that every case of Alzheimer's disease progresses at different rates. About one third of individuals experience few symptoms within the first five years, one third experiences a moderate-paced progression and the condition of the other third deteriorates rapidly.

After analyzing blood test data from 120 individuals suspected of having Alzheimer's disease, researchers from Johns Hopkins University found that the levels of two different lipids in the blood were the best predictors of disease progression. Higher levels of sphyngomyelin and lower levels of ceremide were associated with slower disease progression.

The findings could lead to the development of new medications that take slow disease progression by working on these lipids. Furthermore, a blood test that measures their levels could contribute to earlier Alzheimer's diagnoses. This could enable doctors to take steps to make the impact of the condition less severe.