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Simple blood test could tell if you're going to be struck down with dementia in the next five years - Daily Mail
Oct 11, 2021 1 min, 14 secs

A blood test could detect dementia up to five years before tell-tale signs appear, scientists say.

Scientists are working on a blood test that could diagnose dementia before symptoms of the condition appear (stock image).

Researchers handed cognitive tests to 132 people aged from 18 to 77 years old.

The scientists said they are now working on a blood test to detect them, and that it could offer an early alarm to dementia patients.

Lead author Professor Andre Fischer said: 'When symptoms of dementia manifest, the brain has already been massively damaged.

'We need tests that ideally respond before the onset of dementia and reliably estimate the risk of later disease.

Several blood tests for dementia are already in development, aiming to speed up diagnosis of the disease

Dr James Connell, the head of research for Alzheimer's Research UK, said: 'This is very early-stage research and the approach will have to be tested much more before we can know whether it holds real potential to help with the diagnosis or treatment of people with dementia

Dr Hilda Hayo, the CEO of Dementia UK, said: 'While this study is still at an early stage, any research helping to identify people at increased risk of dementia is to be welcomed

'However, an early alert of heightened risk can prevent or delay onset of dementia by allowing people to seek treatment for any health issues, including high blood pressure or cholesterol levels, in addition to helping them modify their lifestyle through regular exercise and eating healthily.'

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