Researchers have made a significant advancement in the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease, shedding light on why women are at a higher risk of developing the condition. A study published in Molecular Psychiatry suggests that monitoring two naturally occurring molecules in blood samples could provide a simpler method of diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease and tracking its progression.
Insight into Brain Health
The study indicates that decreased levels of acetyl-L-carnitine and free carnitine in the blood could serve as potential biomarkers for identifying individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and possibly those at a greater risk of early dementia. Research assistant professor Betty Bigio, PhD, from NYU Grossman School of Medicine led the investigation.
Differences in Disease Progression Between Genders
Interestingly, the research found that the decline in these molecules varied between women and men. While both genders showed lower levels of acetyl-L-carnitine, only women demonstrated consistent decreases in free carnitine that correlated with cognitive decline. This discovery may help explain why more women than men develop dementia.
Enhancing Diagnostic Accuracy
Tracking the levels of acetyl-L-carnitine and free carnitine closely aligned with the severity of Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting potential therapeutic targets to address the root cause of the disease and intervene before permanent brain damage occurs. Assistant professor Carla Nasca, PhD, from NYU Grossman School of Medicine highlighted the importance of these findings.
Moving Towards a Non-Invasive Test
Research involving 125 participants from Brazil and California demonstrated that combining blood measurements with traditional spinal fluid tests increased the accuracy of diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease to 93%. This advancement may lead to a simpler and less invasive method for diagnosing and monitoring Alzheimer’s disease, potentially replacing the current painful and risky spinal tap procedure.
Implications for the Future
The study’s results could revolutionize how Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed and monitored. A blood test based on these molecules could offer an objective measure of disease severity, complementing existing cognitive assessments and helping to evaluate the effectiveness of new treatments. The research, supported by various organizations including the National Institutes of Health, involved collaboration among multiple institutions.
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