Researchers at the University of Alberta are testing how biomarkers in saliva could be used to detect Alzheimer’s disease.
Liang Li and Roger Dixon, professors in the departments of chemistry and psychology, respectively, launched a study to find an inexpensive way of diagnosing mild cognitive impairment with metabolites.
The team tested the saliva of individuals in three study groups—a control group, another considered pre-Alzheimer’s, and a third consisting of those with Alzheimer’s—to determine biomarkers for the disease.
“A biomarker is the signature of a particular disease,” explained Li. “Maybe there will be some neurological changes and the metabolites in bio fluids, such as saliva, can reflect such changes.”
Li said their goal is to develop a diagnostic tool that can detect the early onset of Alzheimer’s, before the disease progresses to the point where it is untreatable.
In cases where Alzheimer’s is likely to develop, Li said “these bio markers can be used as an indicator to alter their lifestyle.”
Or, he hopes, aid in the creation of medication.
A saliva test, such as they’ve been studying, is also unobtrusive and easily collectible for patients.
According to Li, the project’s next phase is to do a study with a larger pool.
He hopes to validate their findings in three years.
