Breakthrough Norwich research could pave way for dementia blood test |
Researchers at the University of East Anglia have discovered that subtle changes in the blood may reveal the earliest signs of cognitive decline long before symptoms become obvious.
The changes are caused by chemicals produced by gut bacteria - reinforcing the idea that the gut–brain connection plays an important role in early memory changes.
It is hoped the breakthrough could one-day transform how dementia is detected.
Researchers analysed blood and stool samples from 150 Norwich adults aged 50 and over - ranging from healthy individuals to those with mild cognitive impairment, which is often a precursor to dementia.
Dr David Vauzour, from UEA’s Norwich Medical School (Image: University of East Anglia)
Lead researcher Dr David Vauzour, from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, said: "Using advanced computer modelling and AI-powered machine learning, we explored whether specific combinations of these gut and diet derived chemicals could separate the healthy from those experiencing early cognitive decline. "What we found was really striking.
“Even in people who had only just begun noticing mild memory changes, there were clear shifts in both their gut bacteria and the metabolites they release into the bloodstream."
The findings could pave the way for blood tests to spot dementia, which affects a million people in the UK, at an earlier point than is currently possible.
Dr Vauzour said: "With cases projected to increase sharply as populations age, the urgency for earlier detection, better support, and meaningful prevention strategies has never been greater.
“Early detection is critical because by the time dementia symptoms become obvious, much of the brain damage has already happened.
“Identifying biological warning signs earlier could allow for timely lifestyle changes, targeted interventions, and better monitoring.”
The research was done by the University of East Anglia (Image: UEA)
The research was led by the University of East Anglia in collaboration with Queen Mary University of London. It was part-funded by Alzheimer's Research UK.