Blood test hopes in fight against Alzheimer's Being able to identify Alzheimer's in its early stages is critical. Photo: James Davies A blood test could soon identify people at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, after Australian scientists identified a series of markers associated with the condition. The blood-based biological markers identified are associated with the toxic protein amyloid beta, which builds up in the brain years before diagnosis. CSIRO research scientist Samantha Burnham said the protein was found to reach abnormal levels about 17 years before dementia symptoms, such as memory loss, appear. If we can get this early identification, then we can intervene with people at risk. Being able to identify the disease in its early stages is critical, as it could allow intervention before irreversible damage occurs. Bioinformatician Noel Faux from the Florey Institute of Neurosciences and Mental Health said the build-up of the toxic protein was one of the earliest known changes in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. "A lot of evidence points to this protein being the initial change in the brain," Dr Faux said. And research has shown there is a problem with the clearance of the protein. Seven markers in the blood associated with the protein have been identified by the researchers from CSIRO, the Florey Institute of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Edith Cowan University and the National Ageing Research Institute. They are now trying to refine the way the blood is processed to make the test quick and affordable. Currently, tests in the US measure about 200 items in the blood, which costs time and money. But with key markers narrowed to seven, researchers are developing a more targeted test. "We are hoping that within a five to 10-year timeframe we will be able to roll this out as a front-line screening tool," Dr Burnham said. Two other factors - age and cognitive testing - are also used in diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Thousands of mathematical models were tested during the process, which took three years. Volunteers are still sought for the study. Details via: brainpet.org