Neuroscientists from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), led by Prof. Nancy IP, have introduced a highly accurate universal diagnostic blood test for Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). This innovative blood test, which has demonstrated remarkable accuracy rates of over 96% for AD and 87% for MCI, is a significant leap forward in the early detection and management of these conditions.

AD, a neurodegenerative disease affecting over 50 million individuals globally, is characterized by the accumulation of toxic amyloid beta in the brain, leading to progressive memory loss and cognitive decline. The recent approval of the AD drug Lecanemab has offered new hope, yet the challenge of early diagnosis remains, given that current methods are costly, invasive, or rely heavily on clinical observations that may only manifest decades after disease onset.

This new blood test developed by HKUST stands out for its applicability across different ethnic populations, including Chinese and European, addressing a critical need for a global diagnostic solution. It transcends the limitations of existing assays by measuring 21 proteins to capture multiple AD-associated biological pathways, offering a comprehensive profile of the disease and its progression. This not only facilitates the accurate classification of AD and MCI but also opens avenues for the development of personalized treatment strategies, marking a significant advancement in the field of precision medicine.

The development of this test is the result of an international collaboration, involving researchers from University College London, the Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center, and clinicians from hospitals like the Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong and the Hospital del Mar in Barcelona, Spain. Prof. IP's team's achievement heralds a new era of less invasive, effective diagnostics for AD, with the potential to revolutionize the approach to disease management and treatment, making it a universally applicable tool for combating this debilitating disease.