A straightforward blood test can identify risk factors for dementia, according to a study that was published on Wednesday. This represents a significant advancement in the identification of the disease.
DNA methylation in blood samples from 900 people was examined by the University of Exeter and Maastricht University. The results showed that DNA methylation can reflect protein biomarker levels in spinal fluid samples.
This suggests that the more intrusive and costly spinal fluid test presently used to identify and track Alzheimer’s disease may eventually be replaced by a blood test.
Professor Katie Lunnon of the University of Exeter Medical School, principal author on one of the studies, stated, “We know that a number of genetic and lifestyle factors can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.”
