Alzheimer’s breakthrough: Researchers discover new method for early detection Jan 07, 2021 Researchers are now able predict the risk of Alzheimer's disease with a simple blood test. Source: Getty. Memory loss is a normal side effect of ageing. But at what point does forgetfulness turn into something more serious, such as Alzheimer’s disease? Well, researchers from Germany and the Netherlands may have found a solution to the question. Using a blood test, the research team were able predict the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (which is the most common form of dementia) in people who were clinically diagnosed as not having the neurological condition but who perceived themselves as cognitively impaired.