Alzheimer's blood test ‘can accurately pick up early symptoms'
Experts from the Mayo Clinic in the US have provided further evidence that blood tests can work to accurately diagnose dementia, by examining two proteins in blood plasma.
These proteins – amyloid beta 42/40 and p-tau217 – are associated with amyloid plaque build-up, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found the blood test was highly accurate, with 95% sensitivity, which means it was 95% accurate in picking up people with memory problems, with very few cases missed.
It was also 82% for specificity, which means it was also highly accurate in ruling out people without dementia.
The study was carried out on more than 500 people in an outpatient memory clinic, meaning it is real-world data.
The blood test has already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration regulator in the US.
Dr Gregg Day, who led the study in the Alzheimer's and Dementia journal, said the test was as good as more invasive tests currently in use.
'Our study found that blood testing affirmed the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease with 95% sensitivity and 82% specificity,' he said.
'When performed in the outpatient clinical setting, this is similar to the accuracy of cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of the disease and is much more convenient and cost-effective.'
Overall, researchers found that p-tau217 levels were higher in patients with Alzheimer's disease versus those without the disease.
Dr Day said the next steps in the research were to evaluate blood-based testing in more diverse patient populations and people with early Alzheimer's who show no cognitive symptoms.
Dr Richard Oakley, associate director for research and innovation at the Alzheimer's Society in the UK, said the results 'suggest this test is very accurate' and could be used alongside other tests and observations from a trained health professional.
He added: 'This study shows how blood tests are making diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease quicker, easier and more accessible than ever before in a real-world setting.
'While focused on Alzheimer's disease, the test was evaluated in people with other types of dementias too, showing that it may help with differentiate causes of cognitive decline – though more research in diverse groups of individuals and in community-based setting is still needed.
'Currently diagnosis options in the UK are often slow, expensive and can be invasive, meaning thousands miss out on the benefits one can bring.
'It's great to see blood tests like this approved for clinical use in the US – we hope to see the same in the NHS, which is why we're part of the Blood Biomarker Challenge.'
The Blood Biomarker Challenge is a multi-million-pound research programme supported by the Alzheimer's Society, Alzheimer's Research UK and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
Its goal is to bring blood tests for dementia diagnosis to the NHS by 2029.
Dr Oakley said: 'Blood tests will be critical to accelerate diagnosis and give more people access to the care, support and treatments they desperately need faster than ever before.
'We must see long-term investment in the tools and workforce needed to ensure everyone living with dementia can get an early an accurate diagnosis, which is even more important with disease-modifying treatments on the horizon.'
Dr Julia Dudley, head of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, said: 'We urgently need to improve how we diagnose dementia and it's great to see international research working towards this goal.
'Blood tests in this study look at p-tau217 and amyloid beta 42/40, and showed the tests offered high accuracy in confirming Alzheimer's disease.
'This study adds to the growing evidence that blood tests can detect the diseases that cause dementia in people with early memory and thinking problems.
'An important point to consider is that people taking part in research don't always reflect the full diversity of those affected by dementia, who might have additional conditions or other characteristics.
'That is why work is needed to understand whether these blood tests work in a real-world setting.
'In the UK, studies like the Blood Biomarker Challenge are helping to build this evidence.
'The study is testing blood tests, including p-tau217, in thousands of people from sites across the UK.
'This work will be a crucial part of making diagnosis easier and faster, which will bring us closer to a cure.'
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Scottish Sun
19 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
I've lost 3.8 stone on Mounjaro – I've had bad hair loss & another VERY unexpected side effect I'm not coping well with
A MOTHER has revealed that despite losing over three stone thanks to Mounjaro, she has been hit with some unfortunate side effects. Chloe Mckernan, 32, a mum-of-two from Glasgow who is currently on her 'glow up journey', got candid on the side effects, which are not limited to hair loss. 4 A mum-of-two has explained that in addition to hair loss, she has experienced a very unexpected side effect since using Mounjaro Credit: TikTok/@chlo_mckernan 4 Chloe claimed that since using Mounjaro, her new hairs have been growing in GREY Credit: TikTok/@chlo_mckernan 4 Mounjaro is typically used to treat type 2 diabetes Credit: Getty The brunette, who recently opened up on dealing with a sore scalp and a strange 'burning sensation', has now got candid on the unexpected implication that she is 'not coping' well with. Posting on social media, Chloe, who has the 'confidence to wear shorts again', revealed that she has lost 3 stone 8 lbs since using Mounjaro. The young woman confirmed that as a result of taking Mounjaro, which is regarded by some as the King Kong of weight loss jabs, she has been accused of 'cheating' her weight loss. Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams claimed that Mounjaro, which could soon be rolled out on the NHS, can save the lives of people with 'life-threatening levels of obesity'. But despite this, the NHS warned: 'Never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you. "These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects.' In recent clips shared online, Chloe discussed the side effects she has experienced since taking Mounjaro. As she held a huge pile of hair extensions, which she claimed have fallen out of her head since using the jabs, she said: 'These [extensions] have all come out my head. 'I'm actually really scared to get my hair done on Thursday because I don't know how much of my actual hair I've got left. I'm actually so scared.' As she showed off her natural hair underneath her extensions, she added: 'My hair has been really bad. I don't have much hair underneath, my hair is getting really thin.' Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons While hair loss isn't a direct side effect listed in Mounjaro's package insert, a 2022 clinical trial showed that 4.9% to 5.7% of participants taking Mounjaro reported hair loss, compared to 0.9% in the placebo group, Drugs reported. This is usually a result of a rapid weight loss. Not only this, but in another clip which was uploaded with the caption 'Mounjaro girls…anyone else's hair growing back in grey after hair loss?', Chloe claimed that since using the fat jabs, any new hairs that have grown have been grey - yes, you heard that correctly. All the new hairs are growing in white, I can't be dealing with that Chloe Mckernan The mother said: 'So obviously I've had hair loss on Monjaro, but I'm not coping with the grey hairs that are poking through my head. 'I'm 32 not 62, why have I get grey hairs? All the new hairs are growing in white, I can't be dealing with that.' Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. Despite Chloe's concerns, there is currently no scientific evidence directly linking Mounjaro to an increase in grey hair. However, some individuals, including Chloe, have reported changes in their hair colour or texture whilst taking fat jabs. It appears that these observations may be influenced by factors such as diet, nutritional intake, and overall health. Social media users react Chloe's TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @chlo_mckernan, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 165,200 views, 636 likes and 115 comments. Numerous other Mounjaro users eagerly flocked to the comments, keen to express that they too have experienced hair loss whilst using fat jabs. It's not Mounjaro!! It's the weight loss, it will grow back TikTok user One person said: 'My hair has fallen out so much since being on Mounjaro.' Another added: 'My hair was falling out in CHUNKS, it's so scary.' A third commented: 'I've had the longest and thickest hair for years and I've lost so much hair.' Hair Loss 101 HAIR pro Samantha Cusick has revealed everything you need to know about hair loss. Why Does Hair Loss Happen? Hair loss can be influenced by so many factors, from genetics and hormone changes to lifestyle choices. Stress, diet, and even hair care habits can all impact hair strength. It's perfectly normal to lose some hair each day, but sometimes the body can shed more than usual, responding to things like hormonal shifts or even life stressors. Why It Happens More This Time of Year Have you ever noticed your hair seems to shed more in autumn? That's seasonal shedding! During summer, we hold onto extra hair to protect our scalp from the sun. As the weather cools, it's like our body recalibrates and lets go of those extra strands. Dry, cooler air can also make hair more brittle, making it easier to lose a little extra volume during these months. Hacks and Affordable Buys to Treat Hair loss The great news? You don't need to spend a fortune on pricey treatments to support your hair. Try daily scalp massages—they're so simple but really help boost blood flow to the follicles. Castor oil is another fantastic, budget-friendly option that's rich in nutrients to strengthen your strands. Adding a bit more protein to your diet and a biotin supplement can also work wonders for overall hair health. Products to Avoid Steer clear of products with high levels of alcohol, sulphates, and parabens - they can be drying and damage hair over time. Heat styling and chemical treatments can also cause breakage, so try to use them sparingly. Instead, look for gentle, hydrating formulas to support your scalp and keep hair healthier through the seasons. But at the same time, one user clarified: 'It's not Mounjaro!! It's the weight loss, it will grow back.' Meanwhile, another agreed: 'Hair loss means you aren't eating enough. 'It's important to get enough calories in, otherwise you're doing as much damage as good.' Fatal consequences In addition to hair loss, those debating whether to begin using Mounjaro should know that the jabs can have fatal consequences. The injections are licensed for patients with type 2 diabetes and are administered every seven days. 4 They are also available to assist those who are clinically obese (with a Body Mass Index of 30 or over). The drugs can be prescribed by a practitioner - such as a doctor, nurse or a pharmacist-independent prescriber. But increasingly, we are seeing more and more people buying them through online pharmacies, without sufficient checks. Not only this, but figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency revealed that fat jabs had been linked to 82 deaths across the UK. Following the death of a man from Burton upon Trent, Staffs, who died after taking Mounjaro, his family are now calling for a probe into the jab's "potential to kill." 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The Sun
20 minutes ago
- The Sun
I've lost 3.8 stone on Mounjaro – I've had bad hair loss & another VERY unexpected side effect I'm not coping well with
A MOTHER has revealed that despite losing over three stone thanks to Mounjaro, she has been hit with some unfortunate side effects. Chloe Mckernan, 32, a mum-of-two from Glasgow who is currently on her 'glow up journey', got candid on the side effects, which are not limited to hair loss. 3 3 The brunette, who recently opened up on dealing with a sore scalp and a strange 'burning sensation', has now got candid on the unexpected implication that she is 'not coping' well with. Posting on social media, Chloe, who has the 'confidence to wear shorts again', revealed that she has lost 3 stone 8 lbs since using Mounjaro. The young woman confirmed that as a result of taking Mounjaro, which is regarded by some as the King Kong of weight loss jabs, she has been accused of 'cheating' her weight loss. Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams claimed that Mounjaro, which could soon be rolled out on the NHS, can save the lives of people with 'life-threatening levels of obesity '. But despite this, the NHS warned: 'Never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you. "These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects.' In recent clips shared online, Chloe discussed the side effects she has experienced since taking Mounjaro. As she held a huge pile of hair extensions, which she claimed have fallen out of her head since using the jabs, she said: 'These [extensions] have all come out my head. 'I'm actually really scared to get my hair done on Thursday because I don't know how much of my actual hair I've got left. I'm actually so scared.' As she showed off her natural hair underneath her extensions, she added: 'My hair has been really bad. I don't have much hair underneath, my hair is getting really thin.' Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons While hair loss isn't a direct side effect listed in Mounjaro's package insert, a 2022 clinical trial showed that 4.9% to 5.7% of participants taking Mounjaro reported hair loss, compared to 0.9% in the placebo group, Drugs reported. This is usually a result of a rapid weight loss. Not only this, but in another clip which was uploaded with the caption 'Mounjaro girls…anyone else's hair growing back in grey after hair loss?', Chloe claimed that since using the fat jabs, any new hairs that have grown have been grey - yes, you heard that correctly. The mother said: 'So obviously I've had hair loss on Monjaro, but I'm not coping with the grey hairs that are poking through my head. 'I'm 32 not 62, why have I get grey hairs? All the new hairs are growing in white, I can't be dealing with that.' Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. Despite Chloe's concerns, there is currently no scientific evidence directly linking Mounjaro to an increase in grey hair. However, some individuals, including Chloe, have reported changes in their hair colour or texture whilst taking fat jabs. It appears that these observations may be influenced by factors such as diet, nutritional intake, and overall health. Social media users react Chloe's TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ chlo_mckernan, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 165,200 views, 636 likes and 115 comments. Numerous other Mounjaro fat jabs. One person said: 'My hair has fallen out so much since being on Mounjaro.' Another added: 'My hair was falling out in CHUNKS, it's so scary.' A third commented: 'I've had the longest and thickest hair for years and I've lost so much hair.' Hair Loss 101 HAIR pro Samantha Cusick has revealed everything you need to know about hair loss. Why Does Hair Loss Happen? Hair loss can be influenced by so many factors, from genetics and hormone changes to lifestyle choices. Stress, diet, and even hair care habits can all impact hair strength. It's perfectly normal to lose some hair each day, but sometimes the body can shed more than usual, responding to things like hormonal shifts or even life stressors. Why It Happens More This Time of Year Have you ever noticed your hair seems to shed more in autumn? That's seasonal shedding! During summer, we hold onto extra hair to protect our scalp from the sun. As the weather cools, it's like our body recalibrates and lets go of those extra strands. Dry, cooler air can also make hair more brittle, making it easier to lose a little extra volume during these months. Hacks and Affordable Buys to Treat Hair loss The great news? You don't need to spend a fortune on pricey treatments to support your hair. Try daily scalp massages—they're so simple but really help boost blood flow to the follicles. Castor oil is another fantastic, budget-friendly option that's rich in nutrients to strengthen your strands. Adding a bit more protein to your diet and a biotin supplement can also work wonders for overall hair health. Products to Avoid Steer clear of products with high levels of alcohol, sulphates, and parabens - they can be drying and damage hair over time. Heat styling and chemical treatments can also cause breakage, so try to use them sparingly. Instead, look for gentle, hydrating formulas to support your scalp and keep hair healthier through the seasons. But at the same time, one user clarified: 'It's not Mounjaro!! It's the weight loss, it will grow back.' Meanwhile, another agreed: 'Hair loss means you aren't eating enough. 'It's important to get enough calories in, otherwise you're doing as much damage as good.' Fatal consequences In addition to hair loss, those debating whether to begin using Mounjaro should know that the jabs can have fatal consequences. The injections are licensed for patients with type 2 diabetes and are administered every seven days. They are also available to assist those who are clinically obese (with a Body Mass Index of 30 or over). The drugs can be prescribed by a practitioner - such as a doctor, nurse or a pharmacist-independent prescriber. But increasingly, we are seeing more and more people buying them through online pharmacies, without sufficient checks. Not only this, but figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency revealed that fat jabs had been linked to 82 deaths across the UK. Following the death of a man from Burton upon Trent, Staffs, who died after taking Mounjaro, his family are now calling for a probe into the jab's "potential to kill."
North Wales Chronicle
29 minutes ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Thousands gather for anti-austerity demonstration in London
Campaign group The People's Assembly said it expected trade unionists, campaigners and activists to attend the event in central London on Saturday. MPs Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott are among those expected to give speeches at a rally in Whitehall. The organisers accused the Government of making spending cuts that target the poorest in society. Representatives from the National Education Union, Revolutionary Communist Party, Green Party and the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union could all be seen at the march's start point in Portland Place. The large crowd then set off towards Whitehall shortly before 1pm. Many of the protesters were holding placards that read 'Tax the rich, stop the cuts – welfare not warfare'. Other signs being held aloft said 'Nurses not nukes' and 'Cut war, not welfare'. A People's Assembly spokesperson said: 'The adherence to 'fiscal rules' traps us in a public service funding crisis, increasing poverty, worsening mental health and freezing public sector pay. 'Scrapping winter fuel payments, keeping the Tory two-child benefit cap, abandoning Waspi women, cutting £5 billion of welfare by limiting Pip and universal credit eligibility, and slashing UK foreign aid from 0.5% to 0.3% of GDP, while increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, are presented as 'tough choices'. 'Real tough choices would be for a Labour government to tax the rich and their hidden wealth, to fund public services, fair pay, investment in communities and the NHS.' The People's Assembly said it is bringing together trade unionists, health, disability, housing, and welfare campaigners with community organisations under the slogan: No to Austerity2.0. There will be also be speeches from trade union leaders, disability rights activists, anti-poverty campaigners and groups calling for more investment in the NHS and other public services. The spokesperson added: 'We face a growing threat from the far right, fuelled by racism, division and failed politics. We need to see people's lives improve, we need to see the vulnerable cared for and an end to child poverty. 'On June 7, we march for education, for our NHS, for welfare, for refugees, against hate, and for a society in which our children can flourish.'
