Pilot research indicates that a chemical in the saliva can be used to differentiate, with relatively high accuracy, between persons who are currently healthy, those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and others with Alzheimer’s Disease. Potentially, salivary biomarkers could offer a convenient means of screening people at high risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease.
Full reference: Yilmaz, A. Geddes, T. & Han, B. et al. Diagnostic biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease as identified in saliva using 1H NMR-based metabolomics. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease: May 11th 2017; 58(2): 355-359.
Related: Dementia saliva testing ‘shows early promise’ | NHS Choices