Scientists have developed a test that could predict the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by spotting abnormalities in spinal fluid.
The test is an adapted version of technology used to diagnose CJD (mad cow disease) by detecting misshapen brain proteins. Similar proteins are known to occur in Alzheimer’s and are thought to be present years or even decades before a patient develops memory loss or other outward signs of neurodegeneration.
In a trial, the test was able to distinguish Alzheimer’s patients with 90 per cent accuracy. The scientists are now extending the research to see whether it could also be