Rhode Island scientists study blood tests to detect Alzheimer's

Photo by: National Institute of Aging
Photo by: National Institute of Aging

(Providence, RI) -- There's new hope in the fight against Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers at Brown University have found a blood test that can detect early signs in older adults with memory problems. Alzheimer's is thought to begin long before patients show typical symptoms. This is one of several blood tests being developed and tested.

Experts say they're easier, cheaper and available to more people than the brain scans and spinal taps currently used.