Scientists have developed a blood test that can indicate the age of different body parts and the risk of Alzheimer's in the brain.

Alzheimer's risk

We all have a certain age, which is calculated from our date of birth, but our heart, brain, and other organs within our bodies have a different "real age." Sometimes, a person's age is short, but their brain begins to age prematurely. To address this, neurologist Tony Wyss-Coray and his team at the renowned Stanford University in the US have developed a unique test. This is a blood test that, with just one blood sample, reveals whether 11 different organs, especially the brain, are young or old, relative to their age. This research, published in the renowned science journal Nature Medicine, is being considered a major breakthrough in the health world.

How the test works and what it reveals

This test measures specific proteins in the blood. Each organ releases its own proteins, and by looking at the levels of these proteins, scientists can determine whether an organ is functioning younger or older than its actual age. The research team conducted this test on approximately 45,000 people, whose health was followed for several years. The results found that people whose brains appeared to be older than their age had a nearly three times higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease than normal people. Furthermore, these individuals also had a significantly increased risk of death within the next 15 years. On the other hand, those whose brains appeared to be younger than their age had a significantly lower risk of death. This means that this test not only reveals the state of the brain, but also indicates what health risks may arise in the coming years.

Why is this important for doctors and patients?

Scientists believe this test could prove very useful for doctors in the future. If a person's brain appears to be aging prematurely, doctors can alert them and recommend appropriate treatment or lifestyle changes to prevent diseases like Alzheimer's. Importantly, this test doesn't rely solely on genes, or genetic testing, but rather reveals how the body is changing over time, allowing treatment to be tailored to the individual's needs. However, this test is currently unavailable in general hospitals and clinics, and it may take some time before it's ready for medical use. However, experts say this discovery could prove to be a major step toward early detection and prevention of age-related diseases in the future.