Alzheimer’s researchers closer to finding dementia markers through blood tests

Alzheimer’s researchers are getting closer to developing less-invasive methods to determine if individuals have the biomarkers for cognitive decline and dementia.

Currently, the only reliable way to assess brain changes that occur before Alzheimer’s dementia symptoms appear is through positron-emission tomography (PET) scans, and by measuring amyloid and tau proteins in spinal fluid. These methods are expensive and, in the case of a spinal tap, invasive. And, too often, they are unavailable, not covered by insurance or difficult to access.

But using a blood test would be cheaper, easier to administer, less invasive and more accessible. A new report from the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2019 describes methods for measuring abnormal versions of amyloid protein, which is the building block of one of the hallmark brain lesions of Alzheimer’s disease, in blood and correlating it with established Alzheimer’s markers. Two additional reports describe new blood-based methods for assessing alpha synuclein, which contributes to the brain changes of Parkinson’s disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies, and neurofilament light, which may turn out to be the most reliable indicator of general brain cell damage.

“There is a great need for simple, reliable, inexpensive, non-invasive and easily available diagnostic tools for Alzheimer’s,” said Maria C. Carrillo, PhD, Alzheimer’s Association chief science officer. “Families facing Alzheimer’s now and in the future would benefit greatly from simple and widely accessible diagnostic tools that enable accurate diagnosis, earlier in the disease process, allowing for important care and planning.”

Early detection and diagnosis allow individuals and families to have more time to plan for the future, increase their chances of participating in clinical trials, and get the care and support services they need. Dr. Carrillo said, “These new testing technologies, which are currently under development by industry and academic researchers, could also potentially be used to track the impact of therapies in clinical trials.”

The Alzheimer’s Association is actively funding research looking at blood biomarkers. AAIC, which was held July 14-18 in Los Angeles, is the world’s leading forum on dementia research. More than 5,000 attendees representing 60 companies gathered to hear the latest in global efforts to cure, prevent, diagnose and treat Alzheimer’s disease.

Currently there are 5.8 million Americans and 220,000 Ohioans living with Alzheimer’s disease. By 2050, the national number is expected to rise to nearly 14 million.

The ultimate development of blood-based tests will contribute to the accuracy of diagnosis. Dr. Keith Fargo, director of Outreach and Scientific Programs for the Alzheimer’s Association, said individuals won’t be able to see the blood tests in their doctor’s office tomorrow, but the tests being developed will be extremely beneficial now to research, particularly in screening individuals for clinical trials.

Dr. Kenneth Pugar, a local neurologist and founder of the Dayton Center for Neurological Disorders, said these early results are exciting. “For years, we have been trying to find an inexpensive, easy to administer and reproducible test to help us in the screening of people who are at risk of Alzheimer’s. These reports suggest that we are getting closer.” Edwina Blackwell Clark is director of communications of the Alzheimer's Association, Miami Valley Chapter. She can be emailed at edblackwellclark@alz.org.