Early diagnosis is considered one of the essential steps that positively impacts the management of Alzheimer's disease, just like any other illness. Research and studies continue to seek new means that can help diagnose Alzheimer's at earlier stages, according to Healthline. It has been found that a specific blood test can detect proteins associated with the disease.
How can Alzheimer's disease be detected through a blood test? Experts are primarily looking for ways to identify individuals at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's. It has been shown that men are more prone to the accumulation of proteins linked to Alzheimer's and cognitive decline compared to women.
A team of researchers discovered that there are 18 types of proteins in the blood related to changes occurring in the brain and the onset of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive impairment. It has been determined that through a blood test that detects the presence of these proteins, early detection of the disease is possible, allowing for more effective intervention and slowing its progression. These findings are extremely important as early detection always aids in better management of the disease. However, concerning Alzheimer's, since no effective treatment has been discovered, researchers continue to explore ways to effectively manage the disease when detected at this early stage.
On the other hand, it has been shown that maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, exercising, and getting sufficient sleep are effective methods for slowing the disease's progression, although they cannot stop it entirely. In any case, a blood test can assist in identifying methods that contribute to slowing the disease. As a result, researchers view these findings as promising, which could have a positive impact in tackling a disease that remains a challenge for researchers to this day.
It may also be possible to identify risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing the disease, in addition to what can be offered in managing the disease by providing methods to help slow its progression. Research continues to determine the reasons why men are more prone to the rapid progression of the disease compared to women, with the rapid accumulation of the proteins associated with Alzheimer's occurring in them. This leads to a faster decline in their cognitive abilities. Research is still ongoing to understand what increases this risk among men as the causes have not yet been fully identified.
