Researchers at Lund University in Sweden have made a groundbreaking discovery that could significantly impact the diagnosis and treatment of Lewy body disease, a leading cause of dementia.
Until now, confirming a diagnosis of Lewy body disease was only possible post-mortem.
However, the Swedish research team has found a way to detect the disease while the patient is still alive.
What is Lewy Body Disease?
Lewy body disease might not be a household name, but its effects are. The condition leads to Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease, both devastating disorders affecting movement and cognitive functions.
Lewy body disease is characterized by abnormal protein clusters, known as Lewy bodies, accumulating in the brain.
A Landmark Discovery
Up to this point, the definitive way to diagnose someone with Lewy body disease was to examine their brain after they had passed away.
But the researchers have found a new method that uses a test on the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord to detect these troublesome proteins.
When the researchers applied this test to over 1,100 people who showed no cognitive or motor issues, they found that almost 10% had signs of Lewy bodies.
This revolutionary finding means that early diagnosis, even before symptoms appear, is possible.
A Surprising Link to the Sense of Smell
What’s more, researchers discovered a robust connection between Lewy body disease and a loss of the sense of smell.
Individuals who tested positive for the Lewy bodies were already showing issues with their sense of smell, even before other symptoms had begun to manifest.
Because of this, the researchers suggest that people above the age of 60 might benefit from a smell test. If they perform poorly, a more detailed examination involving spinal fluid could confirm Lewy body disease.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Timely diagnosis is critical when it comes to diseases that affect the brain. Scientists are currently trying to develop medications that could slow down or halt the progress of Lewy body disease.
Early diagnosis could allow healthcare providers to administer these treatments before severe damage occurs.
Additionally, researchers found that some individuals with Lewy body disease also had protein build-ups associated with Alzheimer’s. Knowing this could help medical professionals predict the disease’s progression more accurately.
What’s Next?
While the researchers are optimistic, they note that creating a blood test for Lewy body disease might be more challenging due to the lower concentration of target proteins in the blood.
However, the discovery opens new avenues for early diagnosis and treatment, giving hope to millions affected by this condition and their families.
To know more about the latest research on brain health, stay tuned for more studies on topics like walking patterns for identifying dementia types and the effects of high blood pressure on cognitive decline.
The research has been published in the prestigious science journal, Nature Medicine.
If you care about brain health, please read studies about a key to activating ‘fountain of youth’ in brain, and how COVID-19 triggers immune response in brain.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about heartburn drugs that could increase risk of dementia, and results showing this MIND diet may protect your cognitive function, prevent dementia.
Follow us on Twitter for more articles about this topic.
Copyright © 2023 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
