Early detection of Alzheimer's disease is a major challenge in advancing treatment.
Shimadzu Corporation, a major manufacturer of analytical equipment, and Oita University will start research in January next year to investigate whether the technology for analyzing proteins in blood can be used for early diagnosis in actual patients.
Abnormal proteins begin to accumulate in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia, about 20 years before symptoms appear, and early diagnosis is important for advancing treatment.
Shimadzu is conducting joint research with Oita University and others to see if the technology developed by Koichi Tanaka, a Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, can analyze very small amounts of proteins in the blood. has been decided to proceed.
In the study, which is expected to start in January next year, 100 early-stage patients in Usuki City, Oita Prefecture will be examined whether abnormalities can actually be detected by blood alone, and the psychological effects of this test. increase.
The tests that are currently being performed have the problem of placing a heavy burden on the patient's body and costing a lot of money.
In November, a paper was published stating that the final clinical trial of a new drug being developed by major pharmaceutical company Eisai and others confirmed its effectiveness in slowing the progression of symptoms. “We want to ensure that appropriate treatment is available through early detection,” he said.