A Miami Herald article titled New exams, treatments for Alzheimer's in the pipeline gives an encouraging glimpse into the future when test can predict Alzheimer's "much like cholesterol now serves as a biomarker for heart disease" and "treatment will come in the form of a vaccine".
"A ton of work is being done in the field,'' says Dr. Maria Carrillo, director of Medical and Scientific Relations for the Alzheimer's Association. ``We are on the hunt for early detection tests that can be done in a general practitioner's office. And as far as medicines are concerned, we're looking at a very robust pipeline."
What kind of tests may be used to predict AD?
Blood. The Alzheimer's Association singles out test that they believe is farther along in clinical research trials. It targets lymphocytes, or white blood cells. The test measures CD-69, a protein involved in white blood cell growth and production and was accurate 91 percent of the time in identifying Alzheimer's patients.
Other test include Positron emission tomography (PET scans) and Spinal fluid.
As far as what to do once early AD is determined? The article gives a decent overview of the state-of-the-state of current research and therapies. Check it out.
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