Scientists from Edith Cowan University have found a new biomarker that could be used to detect Alzheimer’s disease decades before symptoms emerge.
The research is published in Nature Medicine and was conducted by Professor Ralph Martins et al.
Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 340,000 Australians and it is well documented that early diagnosis is the best hope for effective treatment.
In the study, the team examined the pattern of ‘tau’ protein build-up in the brains of 370 people with an inherited form of Alzheimer’s disease.
Tau and another protein called beta-amyloid are known to be closely associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease, a form of brain degeneration.
The researchers found tau build-up occurs very early in Alzheimer’s disease and follows a distinct pattern as the disease progresses.
The team says this ground-breaking discovery had the potential to pave the way for new treatments and early diagnosis of this deadly disease.
This research found that changes in tau occur at specific and measurable stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
So scientists can potentially pinpoint the onset of Alzheimer’s very early on even before any brain degeneration has commenced.
Until recently, treatment of Alzheimer’s disease has focused on targeting the build of the beta-amyloid protein, with limited success.
Tau is recognized in all forms of dementia, not just Alzheimer’s disease, so this research has wider implications that hold promise for the treatment of all forms of dementia.
It also has the potential to be used to evaluate the efficacy of clinical drug trials, as we can start them sooner and measure their effects by assessing tau phosphorylation.
The team says the study would help scientists move forward toward the ultimate goal of finding a cure for Alzheimer’s.
If you care about Alzheimer’s, please read studies about a new method to treat Alzheimer’s disease, and this stuff in cannabis may protect aging brain, treat Alzheimer’s.
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