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A ''Yes/No'' Blood Test For Alzheimer's?
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© Business Wire 2008

2008-01-17 10:39:06 -


- For every person with Alzheimer's disease, there are many more--loved ones, healthcare providers, social workers, volunteers, and advocates--whose lives are directly or indirectly touched by this illness. Because the causes of the disease are unknown and there is currently no cure, Alzheimer's poses enormous challenges for physicians and researchers. Therefore, early, definitive detection may ultimately be as important as
treatment or a final cure.

Currently, the gold standard of Alzheimer's detection is a "probable diagnosis" that involves analyzing the symptoms of the disease, followed by ruling out other possible causes. Patients are usually evaluated by the "Mini Mental State Examination" (MMSE), family/medical history, and possibly brain scans. The status quo for the detection of the disease, however, may soon change thanks to a new blood serum test for neurodegenerative diseases, called NuroPro.

"Proteins, or biomarkers, in the blood hold the key to the diagnosis of many illnesses, including neurodegenerative diseases," said Dr. Ira Goldknopf, a recognized pioneer and leader in proteomics, and the Director of Proteomics at Power3 Medical. "By monitoring the concentration of several proteins in blood serum, researchers have shown that the NuroPro test can accurately detect and distinguish between Alzheimer's disease, Lou Gehrig's disease, and Parkinson's disease."

Some may argue that without a cure, early diagnosis is futile and may do more harm than good. There are a number of treatments, however, that can slow the progress of the disease and ease its detrimental effects. Some medicines may help control behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's such as sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety, and depression. Treating these symptoms often makes patients more comfortable and makes their care easier for caregivers.

"Early detection of Alzheimer's will allow physicians to intervene at an early stage to delay disease progression," said Dr. Goldknopf. "Tests such as these have the potential to allow patients to outlive their debilitating symptoms."

Definitive detection may also help researchers develop better Alzheimer's treatments. In the near future, drug makers may utilize the biomarker profiles developed by Power3 Medical to help halt the disease. Drug makers and physicians may someday also use NuroPro to monitor the progression or regression of the disease while the patient is undergoing treatment, minimizing the trial-and-error potential in drug therapy and providing for a more targeted, individually tailored approach.

For more information, log on to www.Power3Medical.com.

IRG
Susan Morgenbesser, 212-825-3210
http://www.pr-inside.com/a-yes-no-bl...-s-r391131.htm