"Researchers from the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine are nearing development of a blood test that can accurately detect the presence of Alzheimers disease which would give physicians an opportunity to intervene at the earliest most treatable stage.  Robert Nagele PhD presented his teams most recent findings October  at OMED  in Orlando. Dr. Nageles work focuses on utilizing autoantibodies as bloodbased biomarkers to accurately detect the presence of myriad diseases and pinpoint the stage to which a disease has progressed. By detecting Alzheimers disease long before symptoms emerge Dr. Nagele hopes those with diseaserelated autoantibody biomarkers will be encouraged to make beneficial lifestyle changes that may help to slow development of the disease. There are significant benefits to early disease detection because we now know that many of the same conditions that lead to vascular disease are also significant risk factors for Alzheimers. People found to have preclinical disease can take steps to improve their vascular health including watching their diet exercising and managing any weight and blood pressure issues to help stave off or slow disease progression Nagele said.  While the cause of Alzheimers remains elusive it is clear that maintaining a healthy bloodbrain barrier is a critical preventative measure. Diabetes high cholesterol high blood pressure stroke and being overweight jeopardize vascular health. As blood vessels in the brain weaken or become brittle with age they begin to leak which allows plasma components including brainreactive autoantibodies into the brain. There the autoantibodies can bind to neurons and accelerate the accumulation of beta amyloid deposits a hallmark of Alzheimers pathology.  The blood test developed by Dr. Nagele has also shown promise in detecting other diseases including Parkinsonss multiple sclerosis and breast cancer. His teams research on the role of autoantibodies explains that   All humans possess thousands of autoantibodies in their blood   These autoantibodies specifically bind to bloodborne cellular debris generated by organs and tissues all over the body   An individuals autoantibody profile is strongly influenced by age gender and the presence of specific diseases or injuries and   Diseases cause characteristic changes in autoantibody profiles that when detected can serve as biomarkers that reveal the presence of the disease.  In Alzheimers the brain begins to change years before symptoms emerge. Detecting Alzheimers antibodies at the preclinical stage would give patients an opportunity to work with their physician to make lifestyle changes or receive available treatments before they become symptomatic. Potentially this early intervention could help those with preclinical Alzheimers avoid or delay the most devastating symptoms.  As osteopathic physicians we constantly tell patients that a healthy lifestyle is the best medicine for preventing disease. We also know that many people tune out messages about nutrition and exercise until a health crisis gets their attention said Jennifer Caudle DO assistant professor of family medicine at Rowan University. I cant think of a single patient who wouldnt take steps to prevent the progression of Alzheimers if they could directly affect their prognosis. Today there is no definitive FDAapproved blood test for Alzheimers which affects an estimated . million Americans. It is among the top  causes of death in America.  Dr. Nageles research has been supported by grants from the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation.  About OMED  OMED  is a fiveday event offering clinical and research updates in  specialties with an emphasis on osteopathic principles and practices.  The osteopathic philosophy of medicine takes a whole person approach to prevention diagnosis and treatment giving its practitioners a distinct model for clinical problem solving and patient education. OMED welcomes all health care professionals including MDs nurse practitioners and physician assistantsinterested in osteopathic medicines collaborative approach to increasingly complex medical issues. To learn more about DOs and the osteopathic approach to medicine visit http"