JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Jan. 29, 2019 — The results of a recent study that was published in the journal Nature Medicine on Jan. 21 suggest that a blood test may be able to detect Alzheimer’s disease as early as 16 years prior to the onset of any clinical symptoms. But while noting that the recent expansion of research into blood-based biomarkers as a tool for early Alzheimer’s detection is encouraging, however, the Alzheimer’s Association is urging caution in lieu of additional research.
Weighing in on the study’s significance, Dr. Rosemary Laird, a geriatrician and medical director for the AdventHealth Maturing Minds Memory Disorder Clinic, agreed that further research should be conducted before any definitive conclusions are drawn.
One helpful tool for facilitating research, Laird noted, is the Alzheimer’s Association’s free TrialMatch service, which matches users with clinical trials they may be eligible for based on user-provided information. The service’s database is comprised of more than 250 studies that are currently being conducted across the country and online.
Additionally, while a cure has yet to be discovered for Alzheimer’s, Laird added that maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help to significantly reduce one’s risk of developing the disease.
“Currently, the best form of prevention remains keeping control of risk factors for cardiovascular disease,” she said. “Don’t smoke, exercise regularly, consider adopting the principles of the Mediterranean diet, and maintain a healthy weight and BMI. If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, do all you can to keep these conditions under excellent control.
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. Visit www.alz.org or call (800) 272-3900.