A simple saliva test for early signs of dementia has shown promise, according to researchers.

The non-invasive test uses small molecules in saliva to help identify those at risk from Alzheimer’s disease .

It was developed after researchers found molecules in saliva hold promise as reliable diagnostic biomarkers.

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disorder with no cure and few reliable diagnostic tests. It affects a person’s ability to think, communicate and function.

There are around 800,000 people in the UK with dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Society, and one in three people over 65 will develop dementia.

The saliva test has already shown good results (
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800,000 people in the UK suffer from dementia (
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Getty)

The number of people with dementia is increasing because people are living longer. It is estimated that by 2021, the number with dementia in the UK will have increased to around one million.

Researchers want to develop valid and reliable biomarkers, diagnosing the disease in its earliest stages before brain damage occurs and dementia begins.

Researcher Doctor Stewart Graham, of the Beaumont Research Institute in the US, said: “We used metabolomics, a newer technique to study molecules involved in metabolism.

“Our goal was to find unique patterns of molecules in the saliva of our study participants that could be used to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease in the earliest stages, when treatment is considered most effective.

“Presently, therapies for Alzheimer’s are initiated only after a patient is diagnosed and treatments offer modest benefits.”

It is hoped early diagnosis could help the condition (
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He said metabolomics is used in medicine and biology for the study of living organisms. It measures large numbers of naturally occurring small molecules, called metabolites, present in the blood, saliva and tissues.

The pattern or fingerprint of metabolites in the biological sample can be used to learn about the health of the organism.

Dr Graham said: “Our team’s study demonstrates the potential for using metabolomics and saliva for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

“Given the ease and convenience of collecting saliva, the development of accurate and sensitive biomarkers would be ideal for screening those at greatest risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

“In fact, unlike blood or cerebrospinal fluid, saliva is one of the most noninvasive means of getting cellular samples and it’s also inexpensive.”

The test would help with early diagnosis of dementia (
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The study participants included 29 adults in three groups: mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease and a control group.

After specimens were collected, the researchers positively identified and accurately quantified 57 metabolites.

The researchers found some of the observed variances in the biomarkers were “significant.”

From their data, they were able to make predictions as to those at most risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

Dr. Graham added: “Worldwide, the development of valid and reliable biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease is considered the No. 1 priority for most national dementia strategies.

“It’s a necessary first step to design prevention and early-intervention research studies.”

The researchers are now seeking additional funding to conduct a larger, three-year study with more participants to validate the pilot study which was published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.