MCI Screening test
The MCI screening test is a blood test that uses biomarkers that can detect early signs of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Our bodies are equipped with a mechanism to eliminate the accumulation of β amyloid peptide in the brain, a protein that when accumulated in the brain is widely thought to cause toxicity and be the causative agent of Alzheimer’s disease. This screening test, measures 3 proteins that function to eliminate β amyloid peptide: apolipoprotein (ApoA1) involved in lipid metabolism, complement protein (C3) related to immunity, and transthyretin (TTR) which binds toβ amyloid and suppresses its action.
The MCI screening test analyzes these three biomarkers that have protective functions toward the brain to achieve “resistance” against the β amyloid peptide.
Alzheimer’s disease is considered to be a lifestyle-related disease. Early intervention has been found to delay the onset of the disease and slow the progression of symptoms. As therapeutic drugs are still in development for the treatment of dementia, early intervention and diagnosing a patient’s risk in the early stages of mild cognitive impairment is paramount to treatment and prevention.
Testing procedure
Approximately 7ml of venous blood is collected. Analysis is conducted in a specialized clinical laboratory. Results are ready in about 2-3 weeks, and test results are explained by a physician, where preventive measures will be suggested as needed.