Washington, October 22 : A new study has found that early blood tests of people who suffer from ‘mild cognitive impairment’ can actually help in diagnosing Alzheimer''s disease.

MCI exhibits itself with memory disturbances, however without any major impact on day-to-day life.

It has been noted that some MCI patients go on to develop Alzheimer''s disease within a few years, whereas other cases remain stable, exhibiting only benign senile forgetfulness.

Now, a team of researchers led by Professor Massimo Tabaton have suggested that it is crucial to develop simple, blood-based tests enabling early identification of these patients in order to begin therapy to delay the onset of dementia.

The group reported that the concentration in blood of amyloid beta "42," the toxic molecule that is believed to be the main cause of Alzheimer''s disease, is, on average, higher in MCI cases that went on to develop Alzheimer''s disease approximately three years later.

The values of amyloid beta in blood vary considerably among the patient groups examined (MCI that develop Alzheimer''s disease; MCI stable; normal subjects).

Tabaton said: "This variability is likely very important. But means that this needs further work before we can use this test for a definitive diagnosis."

The researchers are preparing to set up a test that picks up a variant of amyloid beta potentially more specific of the disease. (ANI)