New blood test shows promise for early Alzheimer's diagnosis

A new blood test developed by neuroscientists at New York University may help diagnose Alzheimer's disease earlier. The test measures levels of acetyl-L-carnitine and free-carnitine, which are linked to brain function and cognitive decline. The study involved 125 participants, revealing that lower levels of these markers correspond with early signs of cognitive impairment. This method could provide a noninvasive way to detect Alzheimer's and monitor treatment effectiveness, improving upon current diagnostic methods. Researchers achieved a 93 percent accuracy rate in diagnosing Alzheimer's by combining these blood markers with protein levels associated with the disease. Further research is needed to understand the production of these markers and their connection to cognitive decline.