Neuroscientists at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have devised a new blood test that can identify Alzheimer’s disease a decade prior to the onset of symptoms, according to multiple media reports.
Developed by an international team of researchers who were led by HKUST professor, Nancy Ip, the blood test is considered a breakthrough when it comes to the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, as it offers a host of advantages over the current methods.
The test allows patients to determine whether or not they are at risk of being diagnosed with the neurological disease with a simple blood sample. The blood test has an accuracy level that exceeds 96 percent.
“Currently, there are existing approaches for diagnosis [including brain imaging and analysis of the pathological proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid],” said Yip in an interview with TDM. “But these procedures are costly or invasive.”
[See more: How Macao can better support dementia patients and their caretakers as cases rise]
According to Yip, the test works by using the blood sample to measure 21 proteins that are strongly linked with Alzheimer’s disease.
During a talk about the new diagnostic method on Monday, she also pointed out that early detection can help to lessen the pressure that the disease places on families and communities.
Currently, discussions to have the tests incorporated in the public health system screenings are underway.
Official data reveals there are currently 2,860 people in Macao who are undergoing treatment for dementia as of December 2023, with patients averaging at 80 years of age.
