A team of researchers from the University of Newcastle has shown the potential of a simple test to diagnose the disease before any symptoms appear.

Across Australia, the federal seat of Lyne has the highest prevalence of dementia in the country.

Almost 1600 people have been diagnosed with dementia in the Port Macquarie electorate and that number is predicted to soar in years to come.

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for up to 70 per cent of dementia cases worldwide.

Alzheimer’s Australia NSW north coast regional manager Gary Thomas said 1600 people were diagnosed with dementia every week in Australia.

“Anything that can identify Alzheimer’s disease earlier means we can put in place risk-reduction strategies and improve people’s quality of life,” he said.

The four-member research team spent a year studying the most comprehensive collection of Alzheimer’s data in the world.

Senior author, Professor Pablo Moscato, said the results were likely to be significant for the way Alzheimer’s was diagnosed.

“Currently, Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis is based on clinical observations and testing of cognitive capacity and memory loss,” he said.

“The only reliable and accurate biological markers so far identified for early diagnosis require measurement by either expensive procedures, such as brain imaging, or invasive procedures, for example spinal punctures.

“Our study makes a considerable step towards cheap, non-invasive testing by identifying a blood protein panel to predict Alzheimer’s disease in its early stages.”

Alzheimer’s disease attacks the brain resulting in impaired memory, thinking and behaviour.

It is the most common form of dementia, affecting one in 25 Australians aged 60 years and older.

Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease is considered vital for effective intervention because there is no cure. Alzheimer’s Australia is lobbying the federal government to commit $500 million over five years for research and support services.