New Alzheimer’s test

There is a new Alzheimer’s test that is achieved through a spinal tap also called a lumbar puncture. The cerebrospinal fluid obtained through the spinal tap is analyzed for patterns in the levels of beta-amyloid proteins which can form plaques and tau proteins which can form a build-up of dead nerve cells, in the brain. The results of this test were published in the Archives of Neurology and were considered very reliable by the experts involved in the test.

However, Dr. Richard Besser, ABC News Senior Health and Medical Editor, stated on Good Morning America, that “this test isn’t ready to be used on healthy, normal people.” The reason is because it may not be 100% accurate and we have no cure for Alzheimer’s. So, a person may be told they have the markers for Alzheimer’s and never actually develop the disease, and are left to stress and worry about it. Dr. Gary Kennedy, director of the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry at Montefiore Medical Center mentioned, “…there are still no successful anti-amyloid treatments available.”

At the present time, this test will help in confirming a diagnosis. It will also help springboard further research including research to determine if lowering amyloid proteins will actually improve Alzheimer’s which, as of yet, has not been proven.

More information can be read through an article presented by the Mayo Clinic:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers-test/an01993
For those who have a loved one that already has Alzheimer’s, this test may be of little value. If you, yourself, are concerned about getting Alzheimer’s, take heart that research is on-going and every little breakthrough leads to another breakthrough. There are several on-line resources available that offer education and support for Alzheimer’s and other Cognitive Impairment disorders.

The Greater Ann Arbor Area has several support groups, sometimes you can find them through your local library or an area church. The University of Michigan Hospitals, Ann Arbor, MI, has a website where you can get more local information:

http://www.med.umich.edu/alzheimers
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SOURCE: http://www.examiner.com