New Test May Hold Key To Stopping Alzheimer’s In Its Tracks

It is estimated that more than 5 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease. This progressive condition slowly, but most assuredly attacks the brain, stripping people of their memories and their very identities. While no cure currently exists for the disease, researchers have developed tools that can aid in slowing its progression. They have also recently found a potential way to identify Alzheimer’s in its earliest stages and perhaps even pinpoint those, before onset, who are likely to develop the disease.

The new tool is a scanning process that enables researchers to visualize one of the two main proteins that are attributed to causing Alzheimer’s in adults. This test, in turn, can help doctors assess a person’s current state and gauge possible future progression of the disease. The process involves the use of radioactive tracers that enable a positron emission tomography, or PET scan, to see and measure the presence of a protein called tau in the brain. This protein along with beta-amyloid are believed to be the two responsible for setting the disease into motion.

The scanning tool for tau is used in conjunction with already available technology that identifies beta-amyloid. The two combined may offer the insights doctors need to more effectively detect and diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. Heretofore, diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease has involved a trial and error process where clinicians rule out other causes for a patient’s symptoms. The process, some say, is right about 70 percent of the time. The new scanning mechanism, if approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, after further testing may effectively increase that rate to more acceptable levels while also opening the door on other promising developments.

While full implications of the new scanning protocol won’t be known until further testing and approval, medical professional say such a tool could lead to earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. This, in turn, may someday aid in the delivery of treatment meant to slow or stop the condition before it truly takes hold should better early interventions be developed. What the tool may provide is time, something that is often lacking for those living with Alzheimer’s disease.

Just how soon the FDA might approve the screening test for more widespread use remains unclear. If approved, some believe it may eventually add an important piece to the puzzle in regard to detecting and treating Alzheimer’s disease. People who suspect they or a loved one may be demonstrating the signs of Alzheimer’s disease are advised to seek medical attention. Although incurable at present, there are interventions available that may slow progression.