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New research from the University of Surrey has revealed that the time of day when blood samples are taken can significantly impact the results of tests used to diagnose dementia. The findings, published in Translational Psychiatry, underscore the importance of considering daily fluctuations in biomarker levels for accurate dementia diagnosis and monitoring.
The study highlights that key biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease, including those critical for early diagnosis, show notable variations throughout the day. Levels of these biomarkers were found to be at their lowest in the morning upon waking and peaked in the evening. The observed changes in biomarker levels from morning to evening mirrored patterns seen in individuals whose mild memory impairments progressed over time.
Researchers conducted the study at the Surrey Sleep Research Centre, involving 38 participants, including individuals with mild Alzheimer’s, their caregivers, and healthy controls. Blood samples were collected every three hours over a 24-hour period. Of the five biomarkers measured, four—p-tau217, Aβ40, Aβ42, and NfL—exhibited significant fluctuations, while GFAP remained stable throughout the day.
Dr. [Name], lead author of the study, emphasized the clinical implications of these findings. “By standardizing the timing of blood sample collection, we can enhance the reliability of biomarker-based diagnostics and improve our ability to track disease progression,” they said.
The study provides new insights into the circadian patterns of dementia-related biomarkers and calls for greater standardization in sample collection protocols. Experts believe that these adjustments could significantly improve early detection and the management of Alzheimer’s disease, potentially aiding in better patient outcomes and more effective treatments.
This research represents a step forward in refining diagnostic tools for dementia and reinforces the importance of considering temporal factors in medical testing.
