Study: Blood test detects Alzheimer's disease

STRATFORD, N.J. (WPVI) -- Some local researchers say we could be closer to having a simple blood test to detect the first signs of Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Robert Nagele at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine tells Action News the future potential and impact of this test is "tremendous."

The team developed a blood test that uses the body's own immune system to detect an early stage of Alzheimer's.

In a small study, they proved the test was 100 percent accurate.

Typically symptoms of Alzheimer's don't show up until about 10 years after the disease starts.

So researchers say if they can detect it sooner, treatment will likely work better before there's too much damage.

A larger study is needed to further prove the test. Dr. Nagele says it may also work for many other diseases in the future.