He says when patients come in with mild memory loss, the main concern is whether or not it will develop into a more serious condition. Schipper and his team say they've found a common link among patients who do develop the disease - a protein called H01. The protein is found in higher concentrations in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, and the new blood test can detect its presence. The researchers hope early detection of the disease will buy patients valuable time in which to consider treatment options. It will also help families prepare for the debilitating changes the disease can bring.
Doctors hope to have the test approved next year.
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