Experts from AIIMS stated that using plasma biomarkers to identify Alzheimer′s disease could revolutionize how the cognitive disorder is identified and aid in halting the progression of dementia.

Alzheimer′s disease is a degenerative neurological condition resulting in brain cell death and brain shrinkage. Early symptoms can appear as early as 30 and even at 60 years of age. The most frequent cause of dementia, Alzheimer′s disease, can cause impairment and the inability to do daily duties. Currently these diseases are detected with a PET scan, CT scan, or MRI scan. In contrast, blood samples are taken, tests are run and based on the results, and one can speculate that the individuals may have Alzheimer′s disease in the case of plasma biomarkers.

Dr. MV Padma, a neurologist at AIIMS, said there are now genetic markers as well, which are particularly helpful if there is a family history of Alzheimer′s. These markers can help to detect if there is any possibility that a person will eventually develop Alzheimer′s, and that group can be managed much earlier than the onset of issues that will lead to dementia.

Further, Dr. Anu Gupta, Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology, stated that the biomarkers have not yet been developed for clinical application and are still in the research phase. However, soon the clinical trials would start. Plasma biomarkers take less time to detect the disease, but the price of such a method hasn′t been determined yet. (ETHealthWorld, September 22, 2022)

https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/diagnostics/plasma-biomarkers-can-help-escape-radiological-tests-for-alzheimers/94361689