A new study from researchers at the University of Rochester and Georgetown University turned up positive results for the early detection of Alzheimer’s. The researchers followed 525 people over the age of 70 who showed no signs of dementia for five years. The testing was done by way of blood draws and occurred on a yearly basis. Over the course of the study 74 of the participants were found to have mild cognitive impairment. The research team uncovered a pattern of 10 lipids that changed over time as individuals developed dementia.
What does this mean for you?
The effects of Alzheimer’s in the US are staggering. The disease affects more than 5 million Americans and it’s projected to soar to 13 million over the next 35 years. With figures like these, it is nearly impossible that you don’t know someone suffering from the disease. For those with elderly parents, an early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s could be life changing. As it is, many seniors are not diagnosed until the later stages. If seniors and their families were aware earlier in the disease process they would have an opportunity to plan ahead and learn their loved ones wishes for long term care.
The research is still in its early stages and will need to be tested on a larger group of individuals before the findings can be confirmed. To read the full study click here.