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Breakthrough blood test could detect early stages of Alzheimer’s YEARS before symptoms show

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Breakthrough blood test could detect early stages of Alzheimer's YEARS before symptoms show

A NEW blood test could detect Alzheimer’s disease in its early stages, years before symptoms begin to show.

Tests that evaluate specific molecules in the blood could pick up early signs of Alzheimer’s-related brain decline, while being less invasive and more cost effective than current methods, scientists say.

A blood test that looks for molecules in the blood may be able to spot Alzheimer's years before symptoms show

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A blood test that looks for molecules in the blood may be able to spot Alzheimer’s years before symptoms showCredit: Getty

Alzheimer’s is usually diagnosed through physical examinations, memory tests and brain scans, as there currently isn’t a simple test to pick up the disease.

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Detecting the brain robbing illness early enough for treatments to be effective has been a huge focus of recent research.

“Because the deterioration of cognitive functions in Alzheimer’s disease develops slowly over time, patients are currently diagnosed at an advanced stage of neuropathologic changes,” researchers from the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine said.

“Indeed, the failure to diagnose Alzheimer’s at an early stage of molecular pathology is considered the major reason why multiple treatments have failed in clinical trials.”

Recent studies have yielded innovative ways of diagnosing Alzheimer’s, with scientists claiming that a blood test which can detect the disease up to 15 years before symptoms emerge could be made free on the NHS within a year.

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The test works by measuring levels of a protein in the blood called p-tau217.

It fits into a form of molecular diagnosis that looks for what Boston University researchers referred to as “A/T/N” biomarkers.

This involves measuring levels of key proteins in the blood that are characteristic of Alzheimer’s – called beta-amyloid (“A”) and tau (“T”) – as well as looking at levels of neurodegeneration (“N”) in the brain.

But the research team claimed that measuring molecules in the blood called plasma microRNAs (miRNAs) may be more effective at picking up early signs of Alzheimer’s.

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Alzheimer’s disease is thought to be triggered by genetics, as well as environmental risk factors and miRNAs control the expression of genes governing brain functions that deteriorate when someone has the brain robbing disease.

Sun Health Explainer: Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

Scientists said that evaluating miRNAs in blood can be used to diagnose mild cognitive impairment (MCI), when someone has initial problems with memory and thinking.

For some people, MCI is an early sign of a disease that will eventually cause dementia.

Boston University researchers claimed that an miRNA blood test may also be able to predict if MCI might eventually turn into dementia, due to Alzheimer’s disease.

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Their findings were published in two papers in the journal Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

Senior author Prof Ivana Delalle, of Boston University, said: “Our discovery is important because, unlike the current A/T/N biomarkers, microRNAs may serve as blood molecular biomarkers years before Alzheimer’s disease manifests clinically, thus identifying the time window for effective prevention or early intervention to stop the progression of Alzheimer’s.”

The researchers examined blood samples from 803 participants across 60 medical centres in the US and Canada.

They examined miRNA expression in blood plasma samples of three groups of participants – people who were “cognitively normal”, “mildly cognitively impaired” and patients with Alzheimer’s disease patients.

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Using miRNA tests in combination with neuropsychological tests, researchers were able to predict whether participants with mild cognitive decline would later develop Alzheimer’s.

What are the early symptoms of cognitive decline?

WE all notice a natural decline in memory and thinking as we age.

This will be more pronounced in some people, as they experience memory and thinking problems that are mild but still noticeable.

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This is described as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Unlike dementia sufferers, people with MCI can still get on with day-to-day life.

Research suggests that two out of 10 people over the age
of 65 have MCI, according to Alzheimer’s Research UK.

About one in 10 people who’ve received an MCI diagnosis will go on to develop dementia.

Symptoms of MCI include:

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Memory – Misplacing items or having trouble
remembering recent conversations.

  1. Attention problems – finding it difficult to concentrate,
    e.g. while watching a TV programme or carrying out
    duties at work
  2. Disorientation – confusion about time, date or place
  3. Thinking skills – problems with planning or completing
    tasks, e.g. managing money, or cooking a meal
  4. Problems with communication and finding the right words
  5. Mood and behaviour changes – becoming irritable, anxious,
    or feeling low

These symptoms may affect someone with MCI all the
time, or they might come and go.

There are steps we can take to keep our brains as healthy as possible. These include:

  • Not smoking
  • Doing regular physical activity
  • Staying mentally and socially active
  • Eating a healthy balanced diet
  • Limiting the amount of alcohol we drink
  • Having your hearing checked regularly
  • Keeping blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol
    levels in check

“Out of the 300 miRNAs reliably detected in plasma samples across individuals, we identified 15 miRNAs that were associated with Alzheimer’s disease, or helped detect early MCI and late MCI patients, or predicted their conversion to Alzheimer’s disease,” they explained.

Prof Andrew Saykin, of the IU School of Medicine who was also involved in the research, said: “These findings provide a path toward a better understanding the molecular mechanisms driving plaques, tangles and atrophy, and may provide clues for the next generation of therapeutic targets.”

While a number of new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease are being developed and rolled out, researchers said they can only work in a real-world setting if patients at risk are identified as early as possible.

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This is where miRNA tests come in.

“We have laid the groundwork for further investigations into the role of microRNAs in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis,” study author Prof Kwangsik Nho, of the IU School of Medicine, said.

But more work needs to “refine and confirm” specific miRNA signatures that are associated with Alzheimer’s, researchers noted.

“We envision that once specific miRNA signatures are further confirmed, the analysis of blood miRNAs will be transferred to simple assay formats enabling the adoption of blood miRNAome analysis in clinical practice,” Prof Nho said.

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Researchers concluded: “Integrating plasma microRNA signatures with established cognitive screening measures in primary care settings will likely enhance the accuracy and efficiency of recognising early Alzheimer’s-associated cognitive decline.”

Other major Alzheimer’s breakthroughs

While experts have warned that dementia diagnoses in England have reached record numbers, there have been a number of recent advances against brain robbing diseases.

From “game-changing” drugs gaining approval to blood tests that can spot the condition years before symptoms, here are other major Alzheimer’s breakthroughs.

  • A “game-changing” Alzheimer’s drug called donanemab, that slows mental decline by up to 60 per cent has been approved in the United States. A UK decision on whether the drug will become available to patients in the UK with early symptoms is expected imminently.
  • A blood test that detects Alzheimer’s up to 15 years before symptoms emerge is set to be made free on the NHS within a year. The new test is cheaper, easier and at least as accurate as the current diagnosis options and works by measuring levels of a protein in the blood called p-tau217.
  • Researchers have developed a first-of-its-kind test that could predict dementia up to nine years before a diagnosis, with 80 per cent accuracy. It involves analysing network of connections in the brain when it’s in “idle mode” to look for very early signs of the condition.
  • A woman who has evaded Alzheimer’s disease despite half her relatives getting it could hold the clues to how to prevent it, with scientists pinpointing a particular gene which they think could help prevent Alzheimer’s from progressing. 

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Womens Workouts

Follow us for Part 2- Tips for Training! #movewell #fitness #moveyourbody #motivation

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Follow us for Part 2- Tips for Training! #movewell #fitness #moveyourbody #motivation

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Day 21: 40 Min FAT BURNING WORKOUT [Full Body HIIT CARDIO] No Equipment, No Repeats // 6WS1

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Day 21: 40 Min FAT BURNING WORKOUT [Full Body HIIT CARDIO] No Equipment, No Repeats // 6WS1



Get ready to be dripping in sweat with this explosive 40 minute NO REPEAT, NO EQUIPMENT HIIT workout! We’ll crush 40 unique exercises back-to-back, designed to elevate your heart rate, torch calories, and sculpt toned muscles – all without lifting a single weight.

Get ready to sweat, push your limits, and feel the burn like never before! This high intensity workout will challenge your endurance and leave you feeling accomplished. Remember, take breaks as needed, but don’t quit! You’ve got this! Workout details below. #6WS1 #FatBurningWorkout #NoRepeats #NoEquipment

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Workout Details:
⏱️ Duration: 40 minute workout
🏋️ Equipment: A workout mat
⏱️ Intervals: 40 seconds work, 20 seconds rest between exercises

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The exercises for this killer bodyweight HIIT workout are:

0:20 Prisoner Squat + Alt Knee to Elbow
1:20 Reverse Lunge + Front Kick R
2:20 Reverse Lunge + Front Kick L
3:20 Lateral Bear Walk
4:20 Blast Off Push Ups
5:20 Boxer Squats
6:20 Curtsy Lunge to Squat R
7:20 Curtsy Lunge to Squat L
8:20 Front & Back Bear Crawl
9:20 Up Down + Tuck
10:20 Crouch to Star Jump
11:20 Plyo Lunge Clap R
12:20 Plyo Lunge Clap L
13:20 Lunge Pivots
14:20 Tricep Skull-crusher Push Up
15:20 Down Dog + Knee Drive R
16:20 Down Dog + Knee Drive L
17:20 Bicycle Crunches
18:20 Russian Twists
19:20 Side Plank Dips R
20:20 Side Plank Rotation R
21:20 Narrow Push Ups
22:20 Spider Crunches
23:20 Single Leg V Up R
24:20 Single Leg V Up L
25:20 Plank Marches
26:20 Side Plank Dips L
27:20 Side Plank Rotation L
28:20 Butterfly Crunches
29:20 Superman + Lat Pull Down
30:20 Alternating Bear Rows
31:20 Pivot Squats R
32:20 Pivot Squats L
33:20 Squat Pulses
34:20 Pike Shoulder Taps
35:20 6X High Knees + Half Burpee
36:20 Split Stance Switch + Alt Drop Lunge
37:20 Plank Jack Reaches
38:20 Push Up Pulses
39:20 Air Squats

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DISCLAIMER: Before starting any workout, consult your doctor to ensure it’s safe for you. Understand that participation in any exercise carries inherent risks of injury. By engaging in this video’s exercises, you acknowledge these risks and voluntarily assume full responsibility, releasing TIFF x DAN from any liability for potential harm. Some video links are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases. Your decision to purchase is always your own, and your support is greatly appreciated!

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Best Exercise for Reproductive Health in Women|Kegel Exercise-DrH S Chandrika|Doctors' Circle#shorts

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30 min Full Body Fat Loss Standing Workout (No Jumping) | Quiet Cardio, No Yoga Mat Needed ~ Emi

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30 min Full Body Fat Loss Standing Workout (No Jumping) | Quiet Cardio, No Yoga Mat Needed ~ Emi



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ABS workout #youtubeshorts #shorts

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Woman, 25, left unable to walk or talk after ‘work stress’ triggered brain condition that causes 25 seizures a day

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Woman, 25, left unable to walk or talk after 'work stress' triggered brain condition that causes 25 seizures a day

A WOMAN was left unable to walk and talk after “work stress” triggered a rare neurological condition which causes up to 25 seizures a day.

Emily Newman, 25, from Sussex, was in the “best shape” of her life, focusing on fitness and enjoying newly-wedded bliss with her husband James Newman, 28.

Emily Newman was left unable to walk and talk after 'work stress' triggered a rare neurological condition

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Emily Newman was left unable to walk and talk after ‘work stress’ triggered a rare neurological conditionCredit: SWNS
Emily was in the 'best shape' of her life before the massive health scare

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Emily was in the ‘best shape’ of her life before the massive health scareCredit: SWNS

However, a sudden seizure that led to her being rushed to hospital marked the beginning of an unexpected and life-altering journey.

Despite numerous scans and tests, medical professionals were initially baffled by her condition.

It wasn’t until Emily faced terrifying bouts of paralysis, rendering her unable to move her legs for up to eight days, that she sought a private diagnosis.

She was diagnosed with functional neurological disorder (FND) – a condition that causes problems with the brain sending and receiving information.

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Doctors believe her sudden symptoms were brought on by “work stress”.

Emily now struggles with slurred speech, tic attacks and has to use a walking stick or wheelchair to get around.

She said: “My speech is delayed and slurred. Sometimes I can’t communicate at all.

“If my speech goes it comes back in three to six hours. I have tics as well.

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“I have tic attacks. The other day I was progressively hitting myself for two hours. It was really painful.”

Emily said her symptoms leave her family “terrified” and she now has 10 seizures on average a week.

She said: “Last week I had 25 in one afternoon.”

Boy, 7, in coma after ‘horrific’ seizure left family fearing for his life

Emily, who works in finance, added: “It’s such as dire condition and it’s not what I expected my life to be at all.

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“I’m going through grieving different parts – the life I thought I was going to live, the life I’m currently living and before.”

Emily also struggles with postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) – where the heart rate increases after getting up – and had put her “fainting” episodes down to that.

She said: “I was convulsing. I thought to myself ‘it’s that’.”

But when she arrived home later that day she had another three seizures and called an ambulance.

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Doctors thought it could be MS so Emily was tested to rule that out but they were baffled when that didn’t reveal what was wrong.

She said: “The week after I had a seizure lasting six to eight hours. I got bouts of paralysis.

“I was paralysed in my legs for eight days. I thought ‘I can’t live my life like this’.”

Emily decided to go and see a private doctor who told her she had FND in December 2023.

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She said: “He said there is a 33 per cent chance it will get better, 33 per cent chance it will get worse and 33 per cent chance it will stay the same.

What is functional neurological disorder?

FUNCTIONAL neurological disorder is a “brain network disorder,” according to UK charity FND Action.

The brain is unable to send and receive messages correctly, affecting all parts of the body.

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Some symptoms, particularly if not treated, can result in substantial disability.

Treatment includes “retraining” the brain with specialised physiotherapy, distraction techniques and psychotherapy.

But some 70 per cent of sufferers have the same or worse symptoms ten years later.

The exact causes of FND are unknown. Symptoms can appear suddenly after a stressful event or with emotional or physical trauma, including a head injury, migraine, surgical procedure or vaccination.

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It can occur as a result of several factors working together, for example, the brain shutting down after perceiving a threat or trying to avoid pain as well as a genetic vulnerability to the condition.

It is estimated that up to 120,000 people in the UK have FND, and there are a further 10,000 new cases per year, according to The Brain Charity. But most people have never heard of it.

“He asked if I had been through anything traumatic but I said nothing particularly.

“He asked ‘were you under a lot of work stress?’ “I said ‘yes’.”

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Emily doesn’t have the funds to pay for any treatments but FND currently has no cure.

But she is trying to stay as positive as she can, adding: “I’m trying to do everything I can in different ways. You try and take every day as it comes.

“I still want to be me and be who I am.”

Emily Newman with husband James Newman

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Emily Newman with husband James NewmanCredit: SWNS

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