June 29, 2023
New test can identify Alzheimer-related protein in blood years before symptoms emerge
Most Alzheimer’s patients are currently diagnosed only after they present with symptoms of the disease. University of Washington researchers are working to create a reliable diagnostic test that can detect signs of Alzheimer’s prior to a patient exhibiting symptoms.
The research team found that seeds of Alzheimer’s are planted in the brain years before diagnosis. These seeds are amyloid beta proteins, which cluster to form small aggregates called oligomers. Scientists believe these oligomers later develop into Alzheimer’s, so the UW team developed a laboratory test called SOBA (soluble oligomer binding assay) that can measure levels of amyloid beta oligomers in blood samples.
Through testing of blood samples, the team was able to confirm the presence in the blood of individuals who had been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment and moderate to severe Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, SOBA detected oligomers in patients who had no signs of cognitive impairment but were then diagnosed years later with mild impairment or brain pathology consistent with Alzheimer’s.