A groundbreaking study has revealed that Alzheimer’s disease may be detectable up to 16 years before symptoms appear—using just a simple blood test. The discovery could change how we identify and treat the disease long before memory loss begins.
Researchers focused on a protein called neurofilament light chain (NfL), which signals damage to brain cells. People with a rare genetic mutation that causes early-onset Alzheimer’s showed steadily rising NfL levels, even while they were still symptom-free.
The study included over 400 participants and was conducted through the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Network, with support from researchers at institutions like Butler Hospital and Washington University.
Experts say this test could become a vital tool in spotting Alzheimer’s early, especially for those at high genetic risk. Though other brain conditions can also raise NfL levels, scientists believe it won’t be long before this test is refined for widespread use.