Researchers Develop Novel Algorithm for the Diagnostics of Dementia

A study published in Diagnostics detailed a new biomarker-based algorithm for the diagnostics of dementia, which will help to reliably distinguish between patients with different types of dementia and select patients for clinical drug trials, reports News-Medical . The researchers recommend using blood neurofilament light chain levels in the screening of dementia with their algorithm. The program also facilitates diagnosis of the most common type of dementia, Alzheimer's, based on blood sample analysis. Cerebrospinal fluid-based analyses might only be required for the diagnostics of rarer forms of dementia later on. "New biomarkers will enable ground-breaking next-generation diagnostics," predicts University of Eastern Finland Professor Eino Solje. "Moreover, the currently time-taking diagnostic procedures will accelerate. This will diminish the humane burden of patients and their next-of-kin, when we can provide a precise diagnosis instead of prolonged uncertainty for the families."