An Alzheimer's Fingerprint?

Would this test also work for early detection of Alzheimer's?

We don't know. There is evidence from other studies that some biological markers remain constant from the early to late stages, while others change as a function of the disease. Unless we test this combination of markers in people with early stages, we won't know for sure.

What tests exist now?

Companies like Athena Diagnostics and Innogenetics make commercial tests for A-beta 42, total tau and hyperphosphorylated tau. They are not used in routine evaluations, but as an adjunct diagnostic tool by some clinicians.

Early last year, news reports trumpeted another possible test— a test for ADDL's [small clumps of A-beta strands that show up in spinal fluid early in the disease process.]

I'm excited about those, too. But the technology for quantifying levels is still being developed. I've worked with three groups on detection methods, but all of them still need work. We can't detect ADDL's with our current proteomic test because their concentration is very low, they're constantly being converted to other forms, and the gels we use denature them. ADDL's are a very hot area from the standpoint of potential diagnosis and treatment. But our proteomic test is much further along than this. All we need is further validation studies.