'Listen to the cell' to detect Alzheimer's disease

US scientists are developing a new blood test technique that can detect Alzheimer's disease six years early before symptoms begin to appear. In this mode, the concentration of 18 proteins in the blood is the basis for diagnosis.

This test method focuses on the change of a protein group that cells use to exchange messages for each other. According to the research team, this new method is able to determine who has Alzheimer's disease and who can get it in the future, with an accuracy of 90%.

Considering the change in plasma proteins, experts can determine who actually got the disease and who can get it 2 to 6 years later, with an accurate rate of 90%.(Photo: sciam.com)

This study was conducted by Stanford University, California and was published in Nature Medicine.

Listen to the cell language

This latest study shows the link between changes in the brain and changes in the way cells communicate with each other.

Lead researcher Dr. Tony Wyss-Coray, associate professor of neuroscience at Stanford University, said: 'Just as a psychiatrist can conclude many things after listening to the patient. We also listen to proteins to detect abnormalities of cells'.

The team compared a total of 259 plasma samples from Alzheimer's patients and those without it, and measured the levels of 120 proteins that cells use in 'communication'. The results showed a huge difference between the two groups, and experts identified the disease as being associated with a change in the concentration of 18 key proteins.

Considering the changes in these proteins, experts can determine who actually got the disease and who can get it 2 to 6 years later, with an accurate rate of 90%.

Associate Professor Wyss-Coray said: ' By taking blood samples and examining plasma proteins, a doctor can tell if the disease is going on . We are listening to the cell's language for diagnosis. disease '.

Early diagnosis helps prevent Alzheimer's disease - a disease that seriously affects the health and quality of life of the elderly (Photo: PhotoDisc)

According to the team, Alzheimer's disease is now diagnosed by eliminating other causes of neurasthenia. But the disease can only be definitively confirmed after it has actually happened!

Mr. Wyss-Coray emphasized: 'With this new technology, we can not only identify who has the disease but also provide information to show who will get sick if not timely intervention . ' Eliminate cause, not just symptomatic treatment.

According to Dr. Susanne Sorensen, of the Alzheimer's Association, 'early detection of the disease with a simple and highly accurate blood test will be a huge breakthrough'.

She said: 'Early diagnosis is very important, because we will have enough time to apply therapies to eliminate the cause of disease or prevent the progress of the disease, rather than just targeting things. treat symptoms only '.

Rebecca Wood, of Alzheimer's Research Trust, said: 'This is a very encouraging study. Detection results as well as high levels of accuracy indicate that this method is very promising '.

'Such an assay, if it continues to prove effective, will be a less expensive technique than imaging methods and will be less invasive than a cerebrospinal fluid'. Dr. Paul Kettl, professor of psychiatry at Penn State School of Medicine, said the findings were 'more noticeable and higher success rates' than other potential diagnostic techniques.

Mr. Wyss-Coray said he will continue to research to confirm the results achieved in preventing Alzheimer's disease - a disease that seriously affects the health and quality of life of the elderly.

Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease that causes dementia in the elderly.This disease gradually destroys memory as well as the ability to think, realize, communicate and daily activities.Typical signs: memory loss;distracting thoughts;unexplained weight loss;anxious, suspicious;hallucinations and difficulties in physical activity.

Quang Thinh