Brain Awareness Week: 13th-19th March 2017
Brain Awareness Week will be celebrated this year from the 13th-19th March. A global campaign, launched by the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives, aims to increase public awareness of the progress and benefits of brain research around the world.
The focus of brain research is one of major importance to us here at Randox Biosciences. Reinvestment into R&D is at the forefront of our goal; to improve diagnostics and health worldwide. Our team of highly dedicated and experienced scientists are continually researching a variety of areas to address an array of health concerns on a global scale.
One of our recent developments, which we are delighted to speak to you about during this year’s Brain Awareness Week, is our early detection test for Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, a collective term for degenerative brain syndromes which affect memory, thinking, behaviour and emotion. As a progressive disease, symptoms at the beginning of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis are usually mild, however, they will worsen over time, affecting the daily lives of the 44 million people currently living with Alzheimer’s disease around the world1.
Early Detection Testing from Randox Biosciences
Utilising our proprietary Biochip Array Technology, we have developed our ApoE4 Array* to identify the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in just 3 hours with one effective test. In addition to a rapid and accurate diagnosis, this also introduces both cost and time-saving benefits.
Our test analyses Apolipoprotein E (ApoE), a gene which is recognised as one of the most significant genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. This gene is inherited from each parent and when a patient inherits the ApoE4 variant from one parent, they have a three times greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, whereas a patient who inherits ApoE4 from both parents is 8 to 12 times more likely to develop the disease. Around 25% of the population inherit one copy of the ApoE4 gene, highlighting the need for effective diagnostic tests to diagnose this percentile as early as possible.
Research has shown how those who adopt a healthy lifestyle by partaking in regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet, as well as not smoking and moderating their alcohol levels are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease2. Our proactive Alzheimer’s detection testing therefore enables those both with and without the ApoE4 gene to be aware of their risk, while also providing them with the opportunity to make the necessary changes to their lifestyle to lower their risk of developing this degenerative condition.
Dr. Emma Harte, R&D Scientist at Randox, who was part of the team who carried out this pioneering Alzheimer’s research, explained how this is the first time Randox have used our Biochip Array Technology to test for an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
“This type of testing is important in our quest to understand and diagnose Alzheimer’s and empower patients to understand risks, consider medication, and even make early lifestyle changes,” said Emma, our R&D Scientist.
“Pairing this test with medical and family history for risk of Alzheimer’s disease has the real potential to advance personalised medicine. This fast, accurate testing will allow doctors and patients to make more informed choices earlier to potentially slow the possible progress of Alzheimer’s.”
We are honoured to support this campaign to help raise awareness of the importance of brain research in order to improve diagnostics of brain related conditions, as well as improve the lives of those already diagnosed. Join us and show your support on Twitter and LinkedIn using the hashtags #BAW & #BrainWeek
If you would like further information on our early detection testing for Alzheimer’s disease, please contact us via info@randoxbiosciences.com
1-Alzheimer’s Disease International
2-Alzheimer’s Society
*for research use only