New research has revealed that Alzheimer’s disease neuropathological changes (ADNC) are more common among people over 70 than previously believed. The study, published in Nature, involved researchers from Banner Sun Health Research Institute, University of Gothenburg, King’s College London, and Stavanger University Hospital. Nicholas Ashton, PhD, of Banner Sun Health Research Institute was a co-author.
The research used a non-invasive blood test to determine the prevalence of ADNC in adults over 57 years old. More than 11,000 blood samples were analyzed from participants in Norway’s Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT). Results showed that just under 8% of those aged 65 to 69 had the biomarker for ADNC, while the rate increased to 65% among people over 90. Among participants over age 70, ADNC was present in 60% of those with dementia and in about one-third of those with mild cognitive impairment.
Dr. Ashton stated: “These findings represent a major step forward in Alzheimer’s research, revealing that disease-related brain changes are far more common than we previously understood. As the first population-based study using blood tests at this scale, we’re moving these tests from research settings into real-world applications. This allows us to identify individuals in the earliest stages of disease and connect them with treatments that may slow cognitive decline — a critical advancement as our population ages.”
The study also found no significant difference between men and women regarding ADNC prevalence at any age group. Researchers noted that higher education levels were associated with lower rates of these brain changes.
Professor Dag Aarsland from Stavanger University Hospital and King’s College London commented: “In an aging global population, the assessment and treatment of dementia presents a significant challenge. Our study used a simple blood test to establish changes that contribute to cognitive impairment in those with dementia.
“In doing so, we found that around 11% of participants over the age of 70 meet the eligibility criteria for monoclonal antibody treatments that can potentially slow the impact of cognitive decline in these individuals.
“If we are to meet this global challenge, it is vital that we are able to detect signs of Alzheimer’s disease at the earliest possible stages. This blood test looks to be an effective means of providing that clarity at scale.”
Currently available in the United States, this type of blood test could make early detection more accessible compared to current methods like PET scans or lumbar punctures.
Banner Health’s Fluid Biomarker Program played a key role in this research by focusing on developing biomarkers for early detection not only for neurodegenerative diseases but also cancer and autoimmune disorders. The program operates through specialized laboratories at Banner Sun Health Research Institute and is part of Banner Alzheimer’s Institutes.
Banner Sun Health Research Institute has been engaged in aging disorder research since its founding in 1986 as part of nonprofit Banner Health—Arizona’s largest healthcare provider and private employer.
King’s College London and its Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience contributed expertise as one of Europe’s leading centers for mental health and neuroscience research.
SESAM – Centre for Age-related Medicine at Stavanger University Hospital also participated; it focuses on strategies supporting cognition and well-being among older adults with mental disorders.
The HUNT Study provided longitudinal health data essential for this analysis; it is one of Norway’s largest health studies with information collected since 1984 on approximately 250,000 individuals.
