Alzheimer test, especially the test for detecting early signs of alzheimer is very important for the potential patients’ future. Test for alzheimer is a field of intense research.

There are two method of tests that have been reported for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.

1. A new type of brain scan that can detect plaques that are uniquely characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease.

2. A blood test that could detect beta amyloid, the protein fragment that makes up Alzheimer’s plaque.

Currently, expensive brain scans used for diagnosis are time-consuming and far from perfect.

Now A new method of test – Spine Fluid Test – for early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s was reported June, 2011 by Researchers from the Technical University Munich.

The test uses spinal fluid to give vital early warning of the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and to distinguish everyday and early memory lapses. Samples of the clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord from 58 people with mild cognitive impairment, or the memory slips were taken. Three years later, 21 had developed the disease. It was found that their fluid showed levels of a protein called soluble amyloid precursor protein beta were around a third higher than in the other patients.

This would allow treatments to be prescribed in the initial stages, when they are most likely to be effective. Also the test is significant in preventing the progress of Alzheimer’s.