Scientists are close to developing a blood test that can accurately detect the presence of Alzheimer's disease, which strikes five million Americans.

Such a test would give physicians an opportunity to begin treating the memory-robbing condition at the earliest, most treatable stage, Medical Xpress reports.

Researchers from the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine presented their findings over the weekend at a medical conference in Orlando.

Lead researcher Robert Nagele said the team’s work focuses on using autoantibodies as blood-based biomarkers to accurately detect Alzheimer's disease long before symptoms emerge.

"There are significant benefits to early disease detection because we now know that many of the same conditions that lead to vascular disease are also significant risk factors for Alzheimer's,” Nagle said. “People found to have preclinical disease can take steps to improve their vascular health, including watching their diet, exercising and managing any weight and blood pressure issues to help stave off or slow disease progression."

The blood test also may hold promise in detecting other diseases, including Parkinsons's, multiple sclerosis, and breast cancer.