Biochip Blood Test for Alzheimer’s Unveiled

Researchers have released results from a new blood test that can help identify patients who have a increased risk for developing Alzheimer’s Disease.  Science Daily reports the new biochip test detects protein in the blood associated with an elevated chance for the disease.  Patients who have inherited the apolipoprotein gene (ApoE4) from one parent have a three times greater risk for the disease and patients who have the gene from both parents are 8 to 12 times more likely to develop AD.

With the new blood test, multiple tests can be run on one blood sample and results are available within three hours.  The biochip test is also much less expensive that a standard DNA test, allowing doctors to quickly and accurately test for AD using test results in conjunction with family and medical history.

Early detection of Alzheimer’s can help patients get medical treatment earlier and make lifestyle changes to help slow down the progress of the disease.  Although there is no cure for AD, treatment with medication or a combination of drugs is aimed at slowing down the erosion of a patient’s cognitive abilities.   If a diagnosis is made early, patients also have the option of participating in clinical trials and have time to set their affairs in order.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s research, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website at http://www.alz.org/research/overview.asp .