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Study: Blood tests can predict Alzheimer's risk

Updated: 2009-11-10 22:16:09 CST Category: General Wellness

by Brendan Missett

Middle-aged women with high levels of a certain amino acid in their blood could eventually require Alzheimer's care, according to a study conducted by Swedish researchers.

An examination of women in Gothenburg, Sweden led the research team to determine that identifying which patients are at risk for Alzheimer's disease may be done through simple blood tests. The doctors administered the clinical tests to 1,500 women between the ages of 38 and 60 and compared the results to records of which women developed Alzheimer's disease years later.

"Alzheimer's disease was more than twice as common among the women with the highest levels of homocysteine than among those with the lowest, and the risk for any kind of dementia was 70 percent higher," said Dr Dimitri Zylberstein, who conducted the research.

Homocysteine is an amino acid that affects the body's metabolism. High levels of this amino acid can damage blood vessels and lead to blood clots. Now, some experts believe it could be associated with dementia.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Alzheimer's disease is incurable, but support and affection from loved ones can improve the quality of life for people who suffer from the condition.

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