Wireless, handheld, non-invasive device detects Alzheimer's and Parkinson's biomarkers

An international team of researchers has developed a handheld, non-invasive device that can detect biomarkers for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

The biosensor and reader, designed for home or point-of-care use, can transmit results wirelessly. Photo: David Baillot/University of California San Diego

The device relies on electrical rather than chemical detection, which researchers say is more accurate and easier to implement. It can transmit the results wirelessly to a laptop or smartphone.

The team tested the device on in vitro samples from patients and showed that its accuracy is state-of-the-art.

The researchers used facilities that are part of the U.S. National Science Foundation Materials Research Science and Engineering Center at the University of California San Diego.

By the year 2060, it is predicted that about 14 million Americans will suffer from Alzheimer's disease. Other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's, are also on the rise. Current testing methods for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's require a spinal tap and imaging tests, including an MRI.

As a result, early detection of the disease is difficult. Testing is especially difficult for patients who are already exhibiting symptoms and have difficulty moving, as well as for those who have no access to local hospitals or medical facilities.

The new result is the result of three decades of work. In the current research, the team adapted a device during the COVID-19 pandemic to detect the spike and nucleoproteins in the live virus.

The scientists tested the device with brain-derived amyloid proteins from deceased Alzheimer's and Parkinson's patients. The biosensors were able to detect specific biomarkers for both conditions with great accuracy, on par with existing state-of-the-art methods.

The device also works with extremely small sample sizes.

The next steps include testing blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid, then finally saliva and urine. The tests would take place in hospital settings and nursing homes. The goal is to have the device on the market in a year. (U.S. National Science Foundation)

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Mechanics of breast cancer metastasis discovered, offering target for treatment

Protein called dynein powers the movement of cancer cells.

Salty immune cells surrounding the brain linked to hypertension-induced dementia

A study supported by the National Institutes of Health suggests that the response of immune system cells inside the protective covering surrounding the brain may contribute to the cognitive decline that can occur in a person with chronic high blood pressure.

Breakthroughs hailed in childhood TB prevention

Taking a common antibiotic could more than half the risk of children becoming sick with multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), according to findings presented this week at a conference on lung health.

Lab-grown ‘small blood vessels’ point to potential treatment for major cause of stroke and vascular dementia

Cambridge scientists have grown small blood vessel-like models in the lab and used them to show how damage to the scaffolding that supports these vessels can cause them to leak, leading to conditions such as vascular dementia and stroke.

Simple blood test can help diagnose bipolar disorder

Researchers have developed a new way of improving diagnosis of bipolar disorder that uses a simple blood test to identify biomarkers associated with the condition.

Chronic sleep deficiency increases insulin resistance in women, especially postmenopausal women

Findings highlight insufficient sleep as a modifiable risk factor for type 2 diabetes.