According to results from a new study conducted by the US institute Banner Health in collaboration with the University of Exeter, it is now possible to detect the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease with a fingertip, at-home blood test.
The research involved 337 patients across seven study centers in Europe, including in Denmark, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the UK. While the method is not yet available for clinical use, researchers say it has the potential to become a more accessible way to test for the most common form of dementia, allowing people to mail their blood samples from home to a laboratory.
Indeed, dementia affects more than 55 million people globally. According to the World Health Organization, Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and may be responsible for 60-70% of cases. While there is no cure, prompt diagnosis of the condition can make it more manageable, especially in its early stages. Check out this gallery to understand more about Alzheimer's.