Blood biomarkers may detect Alzheimer’s risk before symptoms appear

Six percent of 1,350 participants, who were aged 53 to 69, had a high level of amyloid and tau in their blood, hallmarks of Alzheimer's, the researchers found. These proteins were linked with lower scores in two key cognitive areas.

Delayed processing speed, executive function may be earliest signs

The participants were long-term enrollees of the multisite CARDIA study. Some 58% were women; 45% were Black, and the rest were white.

Unlike widely available methods for detecting tau and amyloid, like brain scans or spinal fluid tests, blood tests are inexpensive and noninvasive. They are currently FDA-approved for patients with symptoms but could eventually include those without symptoms, said Yaffe.

These blood tests should be used with caution, Yaffe added. "There's a possibility of false positives and they can only be used for Alzheimer's, not other dementias, meaning about 60% to 70% of all dementia cases," Yaffe stated. "But for some people who discover they have the biomarkers, testing could open a window to embark on interventions that may postpone Alzheimer's onset."

Source:

University of California - San Francisco

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