Researchers from The University of Warwick, as part of a global research study, have developed a new biomarker test that can detect Alzheimer’s disease years before symptoms show, opening the door for earlier, more-effective, treatment.

A key abnormality in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease is the build-up of a protein called tau. This accumulation disrupts the function of brain cells. Scientists can already detect large clumps of tau protein, known as tangles, using brain scans, but by this point the disease has already taken hold, which limits treatment options.  

This research, published in Nature MedicineLink opens in a new window, presents a more sensitive biomarker test that can detect clumping-prone tau at a much earlier stage of the disease. Detecting problematic tau at this early stage means doctors could begin therapy before the disease has seriously progressed. 

Dr Emily Hill, Assistant Professor at the School of Life Sciences, Race Against Dementia Fellow and joint lead author, said: “This new biomarker test can identify the very early stages of tau aggregation, many years before tangles could be detected using brain scans. Tools for early detection of these tau species are vital to enable early-stage accurate diagnosis and more targeted and successful therapies”.

Biomarker research for Alzheimer’s disease has also focused on detection of amyloid beta, another key protein that accumulates earlier in the brain. However, it is the tau build-up that best correlates with clinical changes in patients. Therefore, this early detection of tau is a promising step in the right direction.  

Dr Thomas Karikari, senior author and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Pitt School of Medicine added, “Amyloid-beta is a kindling, and tau is a matchstick. A large percentage of people who have brain amyloid-beta deposits will never develop dementia. But once the tau tangles light up on a brain scan, it may be too late to put out the fire, and their cognitive health can quickly deteriorate."

“Early detection of tangle-prone tau could identify the individuals who are likely to develop Alzheimer’s-associated cognitive decline and could be helped with new generation therapies.”

ENDS 

For more information, please contact: 

Matt Higgs, Media & Communications Officer (Sciences) 

Matt.Higgs@Warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window / +44 7880175403 

About the Research Funding: 

Dr Hill is a Race Against Dementia Research fellow supported by Alzheimer's research UK and the Royal Society. This international study was also supported by, among others, the National Institute on Aging (grants R01AG083874, U24AG082930, P30AG066468, RF1AG052525-01A1, R01AG053952, R37AG023651, RF1AG025516, R01AG073267, R01AG075336, R01AG072641, P01AG14449, and P01AG025204, among others), the Swedish Research Council (grant 2021-03244), the Alzheimer's Association (grant AARF-21-850325), the Swedish Alzheimer Foundation, the Aina (Ann) Wallströms and Mary-Ann Sjöbloms Foundation, the Emil and Wera Cornells Foundation.