Washington State University scientists have developed a method to detect the biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease that is 10 times more sensitive than current blood testing technology.
Washington State University scientists have developed a method to detect the biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease that is 10 times more sensitive than current blood testing technology.
While still in the initial stages of development, the research could lead to earlier detection of the neurodegenerative brain disease that affects 5.8 million people in the U.S. That number is predicted to rise to 14 million Americans by 2050.
Led by Research Professor Dan (Annie) Du in WSU’s School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, the researchers report on their work to use an artificial enzyme to detect the Alzheimer’s biomarkers in the Science partner journal, Research. WSU Ph.D. students Zhaoyuan Lyu and Shichao Ding are the co-first authors of the paper.
For Alzheimer’s disease, doctors most often diagnose patients based on their symptoms. By that time, the patients often already have severe brain damage. Imaging technology such as magnetic resonance imaging and CT scans can also be used to help confirm the disease, but they are not suitable for early stage diagnosis. Occasionally, doctors may test spinal fluid to look for beta-amyloid proteins, markers of the disease, but the process is more invasive than a simple blood test would be.
Read more at: Washington State University
Ph.D. students Zhaoyuan Lyu and Shichao Ding helped to develop a method to detect biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease. (Photo Credit: WSU)
