Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 2: A simple blood test could help identify signs of Alzheimer's disease decades before symptoms appear, according to a study published in The Lancet journal.

Researchers found that elevated levels of certain biomarkers, particularly tau proteins associated with brain degeneration, were linked to poorer cognitive performance and a faster rate of cognitive decline.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that gradually affects memory, thinking abilities and behaviour, eventually interfering with a person's ability to carry out everyday activities.

According to the study, the disease process begins many years before clinical symptoms emerge. The earliest changes involve the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) protein plaques and phosphorylated tau protein tangles in the brain, which are considered key hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease.

The researchers said blood-based biomarker testing could offer a less invasive and more accessible method of identifying individuals at risk of developing the condition long before noticeable symptoms appear.

The findings suggest that higher concentrations of tau-related biomarkers in the blood are associated with worse cognitive outcomes and an accelerated decline in brain function over time.

Experts believe that early detection could improve opportunities for monitoring, preventive interventions and timely treatment strategies aimed at slowing disease progression.

The study adds to growing evidence supporting the use of blood-based tests as a potential tool for the early diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, which remains one of the leading causes of dementia worldwide.