Monday September 23, 2024
Using current methods, it takes an average of two-three years to reach a diagnosis, with even longer delays for individuals from non-English speaking backgrounds.
These delays negatively impact relationships, employment, daily functioning and safety of people living with dementia.
At Eastern Health, the Neurofilament And Voice Acoustics In Dementia Diagnosis (NAVAIDD) study aims to address these challenges by exploring whether a simple blood test can aid in diagnosing dementia.
Neurofilament light chain (Nfl) is a protein in the brain that increases with brain degeneration. With recent technological advances now able to measure Nfl levels in the blood, a low-cost, minimally invasive, and easily accessible method to assess neurodegeneration is possible.
Research conducted through the Eastern Health Institute, is including any patient attending our health service with a cognitive complaint, regardless of their background, first language or education. If Nfl appears useful, it could not only reduce the time to diagnose dementia or other neurodegenerative conditions, but also lower the global cost of dementia.
This research study will leverage international collaborations in the hope of contributing to global improvements in the efficiency of dementia diagnosis guidelines and practices.