The device, developed by engineers from Monash University, is a first-of-a-kind finger-prick blood test that detects the hallmark (protein) biomarkers in early AD.
It removes the need for laboratory-based pathology tests, making the process of diagnosis faster and more cost-effective.
By facilitating earlier and more efficient diagnosis, it could allow patients to receive earlier intervention and therefore manage AD more effectively.
The university says the device has ‘needle-in-a hay-stack’ precision. It uses world-first patented sensor technology which can detect ultra-low concentrations of disease markers in blood in minutes.
Associate Professor Sudha Mokkapati, from Monash Materials Science and Engineering, has been working on the device for four years.
“It’s simple to use, low-cost and portable so it could be made widely accessible to GPs to screen patients right at the point of care,” she says.
“Detecting very early disease in large populations could dramatically change the trajectory of this burdening disease for many patients, and shave millions off associated healthcare costs.
“We’ve completed testing that shows the technology is highly advanced by design and capable of detecting ultra-low levels of several disease biomarkers in blood.
“The next stage is to undertake the clinical validation needed to bring this a step closer to reality, and we’re reliant on further funding to progress this.”
With the number of Australians diagnosed with dementia set to double by 2054, the quick blood test could become a vital tool to streamline diagnoses.
“Most patients with neurodegenerative disease are typically diagnosed at advanced stages. Sadly, treatments targeting late-onset disease provide limited therapeutic benefit,” says key collaborator Associate Professor Matthew Pase from Monash’s School of Psychological Sciences.
“Earlier screening could change the outlook for many patients diagnosed with cognitive impairment through a greater chance of halting or slowing symptom development and the rapid progression of the disease.”
