A New Way of Diagnosing Alzheimer's -- Right Under Your Nose

A study published in Scientific Reports suggests a new, simpler technique for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease (AD) by collecting and analyzing proteins in nasal discharge samples, reports Technology Networks . Three years ago, the researchers learned that olfactory dysfunction occurred in the early stages of AD in mice, implying that they were triggered by soluble species of amyloid-ß (Aß) oligomer buildup in the peripheral olfactory system. The team theorized that these proteins could be detectable in nasal discharge, and collected and compared samples from 39 people with AD and 21 age-matched controls. The levels of two specific Aß oligomers were consistently higher in AD group members. Furthermore, the levels of the soluble Aß oligomer could be used to differentiate healthy subjects from people with AD, as well as predict disease onset and progression over a three-year period. "Routine nasal discharge screenings would be a better option to screen for AD because of its various advantages, such as its relatively low cost and non-invasive nature," said Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology Professor Cheil Moon.