Researchers at the Australian National University (ANU) have developed a simple, inexpensive, non-invasive blood test that can predict a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease up to 20 years before symptoms appear.

According to the Express MedicalUsing nanotechnology and artificial intelligence, Australian National University physicists were able to analyze proteins in the blood for biomarkers that signal the onset of neurodegeneration, a hallmark of the disease. The study was published in the journal Small ways.

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How did the researchers reach the conclusion?

• Using an ultra-thin silicon chip containing nanopores, researchers can analyze individual proteins using an advanced artificial intelligence algorithm.
• A small amount of blood is placed on a silicon chip and fed into a portable device the size of a cell phone, which uses an algorithm to search for signatures corresponding to proteins that indicate the onset of Alzheimer’s disease;
• The algorithm can be trained to detect multiple neurological conditions at the same time, including Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Current diagnosis

Currently, Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed primarily based on evidence of mental decline, when the disease has already caused serious damage to the brain. Early detection, which is essential for effective treatment, usually involves invasive and expensive hospital procedures such as a lumbar puncture.

On the other hand, the technology developed by Australian National University researchers only requires a small blood sample and results can be obtained in real time. The quick and simple test can be performed by general practitioners, eliminating the need to visit hospital and is particularly convenient for people living in remote areas.

Proteins are the building blocks of life and contain unique genetic information that provides important clues about health, including signs of deteriorating brain cells. For example, the second largest cause of death in Australia is dementia, with more than 400,000 people living with the condition, and this number is expected to double by 2058.

We hope that the screening technology developed by the Australian National University will be available within the next five years. To date, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but knowing whether someone is at risk 20 years before diagnosis can significantly improve the health outcomes of these patients.

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