New Model May Better Detect Alzheimer's From Early Cognitive Changes

Local 10 News reports that scientists have developed a non-invasive model for forecasting Alzheimer's disease in people with moderate cognitive impairment. The new model combines two blood tests that look for specific proteins associated with Alzheimer's. "The researchers found they could actually increase the sensitivity, increase the diagnostic ability of the blood tests much better than either one individually and it's in line with some of the spinal fluid testing we're able to do now but it's much less invasive and hopefully would be much less expensive," said Cleveland Clinic Weston neurologist Damon Salzman. He added that 50 percent to 80 percent of patients with mild cognitive impairment develop Alzheimer's, so the test could help ascertain who would be best suited for early interventions to slow progression.