Predicting Dementia: A Blood-Brain Barrier Test Examined

Predicting dementia is a quickly moving science. Advances in the past decade have led researchers to new methods of predicting, diagnosing and treating cognitive impairments. But there is still a great deal of work to be done in the field. Recent studies have found a potential new way to help predict cognitive impairments such as dementia and Alzheimers: A blood-brain barrier test. Is this an accurate dementia test?

What is the Blood-Brain Barrier?

Your brain needs a safe and consistent supply of nutrients to function properly. But, it also needs protection from harmful bacteria and toxins. The blood-brain barrier works as this shield, filtering out the toxic chemicals, viruses and parasites while ushering in the helpful cells. The blood brain barrier is part of the central nervous system. And scientists are now looking at biomarkers that indicate a connection between a breakdown in the blood-brain barrier and cognitive impairments like dementia.

How is the Blood-Brain Barrier tested?

Predicting dementia with a blood-brain barrier test will begin with blood tests and an MRI of the brain. Doctors will look for specific proteins and abnormalities that indicate if the blood-brain barrier isn’t working properly. Early studies have shown that individuals with cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia have measurable breakdowns of the blood-brain barrier in certain regions of the brain. Using that data, it may be possible to predict dementia and Alzheimer’s by taking an active look at the blood-brain barrier.

Is the Blood-Brain Barrier a Dementia Test?

The early results of the blood-brain barrier test are promising, but it’s still too early to determine if this is an effective method of predicting dementia. Scientists continue to discover new connections between dementia and human biology. Many are hopeful that we will soon have accurate ways to predict dementia and test for cognitive impairments early enough that treatment options can be used to delay debilitating symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Is the Blood-Brain Barrier Harmed During a Covid-19 Test?

No. This rumor began circulating in the summer of 2020, but as USA Today noted, it’s nearly anatomically impossible for the Covid-19 nasal swab to reach the blood-brain barrier. Your nasal cavity has several layers of protection before anything can penetrate up the noise and impact the blood-brain barrier. The nasal swab test for Covid-19 is safe and has no connection to cognitive impairment.