A groundbreaking blood test could identify Alzheimer's disease up to 17 years before a conventional diagnosis, according to new research published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry B. The study, which also suggests the test may detect Parkinson's disease at an early stage, examined the use of an innovative sensor known as the immuno-infrared sensor (iRS).
The sensor works by detecting structural changes in brain-related proteins within blood samples, identifying early warning signs that existing blood tests overlook. Rather than measuring whether a protein is present, it identifies whether it has begun to change shape, providing a much earlier indication of disease. In Alzheimer's, abnormal accumulation of proteins called amyloid and tau occurs, while in Parkinson's, damaged brain cells build up unusual protein deposits known as Lewy bodies.
Drawing on a large population study of 10,000 participants, the sensor predicted Alzheimer's risk up to 17 years before symptoms appeared, with accuracy levels as high as 0.82 out of a maximum 1.0. Among a smaller group with mild memory issues, the test predicted progression to full clinical Alzheimer's six years ahead, with an accuracy score of 0.94. For Parkinson's, the sensor was tested on spinal fluid samples, achieving 94% sensitivity and 97% specificity.
However, the test has not yet received approval for widespread use and requires additional testing. The study analysed and combined existing research rather than presenting new clinical trial data, and some performance figures came from previously published studies. The Parkinson's blood-based results were only available as a preprint and had not yet been peer reviewed. Additionally, the corresponding author, Klaus Gerwert, is the founder and CEO of betaSENSE GmbH, which is linked to the commercialisation of this technology.
