Fingerprick test could detect early stages of Alzheimer's

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A simple, credit card-sized finger-prick device could one day change the way general doctors test for Alzheimer's, according to Australian researchers who have spent the past four years developing the groundbreaking device.



Developed by researchers at Monash UniversityThis first-of-its-kind portable device is aimed at general practitioners and uses a rapid blood test to detect characteristic biomarkers at the earliest stages of the disease and before symptoms progress.


It is hoped that in future this tool will be implemented across general practices to streamline diagnostics and provide non-invasive diagnosis.


Tests have shown that the technology can detect extremely small levels of several disease biomarkers in the blood, and the project researchers say the next step is to conduct the clinical validation needed to bring the tool one step closer to reality.


Associate Professor Sudha Mokkapati developed the electronic sensor, and she said she hopes it will in future eliminate the need for laboratory pathology tests, making diagnosis faster and more cost-effective.


“It is simple to use, low cost and portable, making it widely available to general practitioners, allowing them to test patients at the point of care,” she said.


“Detecting the disease very early in large populations has the potential to dramatically change the course of this debilitating disease for many patients and reduce associated health care costs by millions of dollars.”


But Professor Mark Morgan, chair of the RACGP expert committee on quality care, cautioned that the technology needed to be tested to understand its predictive value.


“The ability to simply and accurately identify presymptomatic stages of Alzheimer's disease is a critical step in developing and testing interventions,” he said. NewsGP.


“In this validation, it is important to have a meaningful endpoint of cognitive decline rather than a separate biomarker.


“The marketing of this new health technology must not get ahead of the science it actually reveals.”


The study shows that dementia rates in Australia continue to rise and, without medical advances, By 2054, the number of diagnoses is expected to rise to more than 812,500..


Similar trends are expected around the world, so research similar to that at Monash University is being conducted internationally.



A recent Swedish study used a sample of about 800 people across three countries. To determine how well a blood-based test for Alzheimer's disease performs compared with currently available diagnostic tools, positron emission tomography (PET) scans and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing via lumbar puncture.


They concluded that the commercially available blood test “accurately identified biological Alzheimer's disease.”


Dr Stephanie Daly, a GP with a particular interest in dementia, said that at present blood biomarkers in primary care should only be used on people with symptoms, where they are most accurate.


“We're probably a long way from testing, especially since at this stage we don't have highly effective drugs to reverse the symptoms, and pre-clinical testing remains controversial,” she said. NewsGP.


“Blood-based biomarkers will likely be available within the next year or two. [until now] They have only been involved in the research field.”


Dr Daly said that while finger-prick tests would certainly make diagnosis easier, their introduction must be accompanied by training to help more general doctors identify the symptoms, and better comprehensive care for those who are diagnosed.


“Certainly the use of blood-based biomarkers would be a great tool to have available to general practitioners,” she said.


“This may allow us to more confidently identify the pathology causing cognitive impairment and enable people to receive a more timely diagnosis.”


“This allows for better outcomes in terms of our ability to treat risk factors and plan for the future.”



Mounting evidence also shows that patients overwhelmingly prefer early diagnosis. rather than remaining blind to the cognitive symptoms they are experiencing.


The benefits of early diagnosis are many and range from knowing what to expect, being actively involved in personal decisions, more effective use of treatment, reduced stigma, and being empowered to make choices.


Prof Morgan said a correct diagnosis would “immensely assist” GPs in providing the right advice to patients and their families.


“Alongside advances in early diagnosis, it is crucial that our health system improves the way we care for people with dementia,” he said.


“We need to manage the consequences of early diagnosis across society in terms of access to insurance, employment and ability to drive.”


“There is a lot of stigma and fear surrounding an Alzheimer's diagnosis, and that needs to be addressed.”



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