A biomarker in urine
A new study by researchers at the University of Shanghai and published in Frontiers is the first to identify formic acid – a compound found in urine – as a biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease.
The scientists analyzed blood and urine tests from 574 patients with Alzheimer’s disease at varying levels of severity and from members of a control group with normal cognition.
The study found that urinary formic acid levels were significantly increased in all groups with Alzheimer’s disease (even those in the early stages) compared to healthy controls.
Interestingly, when researchers analyzed formic acid levels in combination with Alzheimer’s disease blood biomarkers, they found they could more accurately predict the stage of the disease.
For the authors, “this detection of urinary biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease is practical, cost-effective and can be performed during routine examinations of the elderly. »
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