New device could help GPs detect Alzheimer's in minutes
GPs could soon be able to screen their patients for Alzheimer's Disease in a matter of minutes, using a handheld device the size of a credit card.
The first-of-a-kind finger-prick blood test was developed by engineers at Melbourne's Monash University and it can detect the hallmark protein biomarkers of early Alzheimer's Disease within minutes.
This could become an important tool for doctors in diagnosing patients before the symptoms progress.
In Australia alone there are around 420,000 people living with dementia, with that number set to double by 2054.
Associate Professor Sudha Mokkapati, from Monash Materials Science and Engineering, helped lead the development of the testing device.
"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," Mokkapati said.
"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 device also has the potential to remove the need for laboratory-based pathology tests, making diagnoses faster and cheaper.
The university is currently seeking funding to complete the next stage - clinical validation, which will help bring the device one step closer to reality.
"Most patients with neurodegenerative disease are typically diagnosed at advanced stages. Sadly, treatments targeting late-onset disease provide limited therapeutic benefit," Associate Professor Matthew Pase, at Monash's School of Psychological Sciences, said.
"Earlier screening could change the outlook for many patients diagnosed with cognitive impairment, increasing the chance of halting or slowing symptom development and the rapid progression of the disease."
Image: Monash University/ Nine