Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia are both memory-related disorders. Therefore, doctors usually misdiagnose 20-30% of patients with it. The symptoms include memory loss and a confused personality. Further, there is an adverse effect on the behaviour and personality of the patient.
The careful medical history of the patient leads to the diagnosis of this disorder. Moreover, dementia is an important symptom. After death, the examination of brain tissue in autopsy can help in diagnosis. The spinal fluid tests are costly hence unaffordable. In conclusion, there was no test to diagnose it before.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
This is an age-related disorder. In this disease tau proteins deposit making neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. As a result, the brain cells shrink and die. This causes memory loss. Any genetic, environmental and physical reasons can cause it.
Initially patient suffers memory loss and then becomes response less in the last stages. Hence, The damage to the brain leads to failure of body systems, causing death.
Recent methods of Alzheimer’s diagnosis
A recent study by Professor Oskar Hansson at Lund University, Sweden, shows that a combination of tests can lead to early diagnosis of the disease. Around 340 patients were observed. They all suffered from mild memory impairment in the Swedish bioFINDER study. At the same time, in a North American study involving 543 people, they observed the outcome.
Within 10 minutes, simple blood tests combined with three cognitive tests can be completed. This can detect over 90% certainty in the patients developing memory-related symptoms in the upcoming years.
Our algorithm is based on a blood analysis of phosphylated tau and a risk gene for Alzheimer’s, combined with testing of memory and executive function. We have now developed a prototype online tool to estimate the individual risk of a person with mild memory complaints developing Alzheimer’s dementia within four years.”
Sebastian Palmqvist, Study First Author and Associate Professor, Lund University
This test would lead to an easier way of drugs development. Furthermore, the medical experts won’t need advanced diagnostic instruments. The algorithm is cost-effective. Above all, It would help in Alzheimer’s diagnosis in the early stages. In conclusion, this would increase the chances of treatment in primary healthcare and countries with scarce resources.
Learn more about latest political news here
