Experts from Fudan University have discovered biomarkers that can predict the development of dementia 10 years before the first symptoms appear, according to a report published in Nature Aging. There is currently no effective cure for Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related neurodegenerative diseases; There are only drugs that slow down its progression. However, patients often consult a doctor already in the later stages of the disease.
Scientists are striving for early diagnosis to combat neurodegenerative diseases. This can not only delay the onset of the disease, but also improve its course or even prevent its development.
Chinese scientists analyzed data on 1,463 proteins in the blood of more than 52,000 UK Biobank participants who were diagnosed with dementia from 2006 to 2010. Over the next 14 years, another 1,417 people developed dementia. The study showed that the more reliable biomarkers for predicting the disease are the proteins GFAP, NEFL, GDF15 and LTBP2. Screening for all of these proteins is recommended, since each of them individually is not effective enough for early diagnosis.
The doctor also pays attention to external signs of an approaching illness, such as memory problems, fatigue and confusion in thoughts.
2024-02-29 16:58:00
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