Researchers discover a Way to detect Alzheimer’s (30/03/2009)

In Arizona, Pennsylvania recently at the Banner Alzheimer's Institute researchers have discovered a possible link between a gene and the onset of Alzheimer's. The gene (APOE4) can be found in the form of Amyloid Plaques. It has been newly discovered that if these Amyloid Plaques are found in healthy adults their is an increase in the chance of developing Alzheimer's at a later time. Before this discovery, Amyloid Plaques were only used to diagnose Alzheimer's after a persons death.

Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder most commonly assosciated with memory loss. At the moment there is no cure so this research is very important. Any treatment that can delay onset or prevent Alzheimer's will be a major breakthrough.

The major Alzheimer's susceptibility gene (APOE4) has been known for a long time, however it was not until now that the gene was used in the diagnosis of the disease. Since this practice is not yet approved by the FDA it can not be used to diagnose patients with the highest risk of developing some form of the disease. However with more clinical tests underway researchers are hoping they will get approval soon.

Using Positron Emission Tomogrophy (PET) imaging it is possible to detect the progression of Amyloid Plaques. A prevention method has not yet been clinically tested, but this breakthrough has made scientists hopeful that a plaque-busting technique, or other treatments plans, will soon be in place.