London: British scientists believe they may have developed a blood test to detect the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

The scientists at King’s College in London have identified a series of proteins present in the blood of those at highest risk of developing the neurological condition. This offers those who test positive for the proteins to change their diet and reduce their risk of developing the didsease.

The blood test theory has yet to be put to the test and is unlikely to be available to the public for some time.

Studies of the diet link have shown those who eat plenty of food rich in omega-3 fish oils and green vegetables are less likely to get dementia.

In another study at King’s the protein levels in the blood of 500 Alzheimer’s sufferers were compared with those of healthy older people. They were able to identify which proteins were present in higher quantities in those with Alzheimer’s.

At the moment doctors identify victims with a memory test but this only detects the disease once it has taken hold.