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Test for Early Alzheimer's in Development

Diagnosis could allow for treatment to slow disease's progression

By the Associated Press

Posted May 27, 2009 11:59 AM CDT
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(AP) – A research institute devoted to Alzheimer's and related diseases has teamed up with a major maker of diagnostic tests to speed development of what could be the first test to detect Alzheimer's in its early stages. If all goes well, the first commercial version of the test could be available in 12 to 18 months, possibly enabling patients to try to slow progression of the disease.

"This may be a way of monitoring how effective a treatment is for Alzheimer's disease" as well, through periodic retesting once scientists can develop a medicine to stop the mind-robbing disease, says the scientific director of the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute. The test works by detecting abnormal function of a protein that has been shown to be involved in memory storage, he said.

This image released by the United States Postal Service, shows the Alzheimer's postage stamp.
This image released by the United States Postal Service, shows the Alzheimer's postage stamp.   (AP Photo/USPS)
Drug companies are racing to find treatments or cures for Alzheimer's, a degenerative brain disease that causes dementia.
Drug companies are racing to find treatments or cures for Alzheimer's, a degenerative brain disease that causes dementia.   (©cambodia4kidsorg)
The ability to test sooner for signs of Alzheimer's could give patients the chance to try treatment that would offer more time before the disease's more severe effects set in.
The ability to test sooner for signs of Alzheimer's could give patients the chance to try treatment that would offer more time before the disease's more severe effects set in.   (©maxintosh)
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medicine • medical research • treatment • neuroscience • Alzheimer's Disease • diagnostic test • Daniel Alkon • Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute

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