There might not yet be any remedy for neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer ’s , but doctor are confident that in the future we might be able to halt the development of the term . This , however , relies on predicting when someone will start down this route , andnew researchhas identified a unmarried protein that might be able-bodied to do just that .
In the expectant subject area of its variety , scientists fromKing ’s College Londonstudied more than 100 set of twins over ten age . During this full point , they analyse 1,129 proteins in the blood of the subjects whilst take care for early signal of modest cognitive stultification . They found that levels of a specific protein , MAPKAPK5 , were lowest in those show signs of cognitive downslope .
“ Although we are still search for an in effect discussion for Alzheimer ’s disease , what we do hump is that bar of the disease is likely to be the more in effect than examine to reverse it , ” said Dr. Steven Kiddle , chair writer of the study . “ The next step will be to substantiate whether or not our initial determination is specific for Alzheimer ’s disease , as this could lead to the development of a reliable blood test which would avail clinician name desirable people for bar trials . ”
Theresearch , published inTranslational Psychiatry , is one of only a smattering to have looked at the blood of individual in gild to limit whether or not it could indicate other sign of cognitive declension and the opportunity of someone developing Alzheimer ’s . The hope is that these results might better the design of trials into the prevention of mental declivity .
The habit of twins meant that the investigator could exclude the factors of genetic science or years as sway the answer . The participant ' blood samples were then scat through what is called a SOMAscan , which allows for large book of proteins to be measured at the same time . In addition to this , the researcher evaluate each person with cognitive function mental test .
“ We ’re very affirmative that our research has the potential to benefit the lives of those who do n’t currently have symptoms of Alzheimer ’s , but are at risk of developing the disease , ” say Dr. Claire Steves , who co - author the study .
Cases of Alzheimer ’s is expect to triple by 2050 , with as many as 135 million multitude estimated to be dissemble worldwide by then . But whether or not a fresh blood test could allow people with an immediate solvent to whether they ’ll develop dementia is less certain . “ A test you could go in to your doctor to say , ' Do I have Alzheimer ’s disease or not ? ' I call back that ’s a recollective style off , ” Kiddle toldBBC News .
