Scientists confident Alzheimer's could be predicted 'years in advance'

Alzheimer's disease is preceded by a molecular signature that has been detected through simple biochemical assay procedure, researchers have suggested.

Scientists working in laboratories at the VTT Technical Research Centre, Finland, believe the test could be carried out months or years before the first symptoms of the disease become apparent.

The molecular signature is indicative of the pentose phosphate pathway being associated with the progression to Alzheimer's beyond mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

As part of the study, researchers were able to identify patients diagnosed with MCI who later progressed to Alzheimer's.

Scientists are hopeful the findings will enable crucial early treatment of the disease, such as delaying onset through lifestyle changes.

They also intend their findings to be used to help explore new therapeutic and treatment options.

Last month, researchers from the National Institutes of Health in the US published new evidence suggesting protein deposits linked to Alzheimer's are more complex than previously thought.

They are hopeful this will enable scientists to better understand the progression and biology of the disease.

Posted by Neil Clark