Alzheimer’s risk ‘seen in saliva test’
A SALIVA test could identify Alzheimer’s risk, allowing use of ibuprofen as prevention, scientists say.
They found people at risk had the same high levels of a brain protein as those with the disease.
Elevated Abeta42 levels, measured by the saliva test, can lead to dementia.
Aurin Biotech in Vancouver used the test to identify 500 people with the predisposition in 2016. They now take ibuprofen, linked to cutting risk.
Dr Patrick McGeer said: “Our discovery is a game changer.” Critics said it was too early to say if the test and ibuprofen are effective.
A scanner could aid early diagnosis after showing cells which make dopamine may harm those responsible for memories.