A relatively large study conducted by scientists at Lund University in Sweden shows that it is possible to detect Alzheimer’s disease before symptoms appear. The method that the researchers have found for this diagnosis is done through two proteins that can indicate which people will be involved with the symptoms of this disease in the future.
Researchers in this international research 1325 people were monitored in Sweden, America, Holland and Australia. These people did not have any cognitive problems at the beginning of the research. They exist using PET scans Tau and amyloid proteins examined in the brains of people.
In the continuation of the research that the scientists went to the volunteers in a few years, it was found that the people who had these two proteins, approx 20 to 40 times They were exposed to Alzheimer’s disease more than others. “When both beta-amyloid and tau proteins are present in the brain, they are no longer a risk factor, but Diagnosis sign are. A pathologist who examines brain samples should immediately diagnose the patient with Alzheimer’s.”
It is possible to diagnose Alzheimer’s before the appearance of cognitive symptoms
Osenkoppel says Alzheimer’s researchers are divided into two groups. One group believes that this disease cannot be diagnosed until the onset of cognitive symptoms. But the second group says that the diagnosis can be made by relying on biology and what is seen in the brain. These researchers from Lund University also consider themselves from the second group.
Osenkopel believes that just like prostate cancer testing, if we find cancer cells in the biopsy, we announce the diagnosis of cancer, even if the person has no specific symptoms. Regarding the discovery of new promising drugs for Alzheimer’s, researchers say:
“If we can detect the disease before cognitive challenges arise, we may eventually be able to use drugs to slow down the disease in its early stages. Patients can use a combination of physical activity and good nutrition to increase their chances of preventing or slowing cognitive problems in the future. “However, more research needs to be done before we can recommend the treatment to people who do not have memory loss.”
The results of this study have been published in the journal Nature Medicine.
