China News Service, Hong Kong, February 19 (Reporter Han Xingtong) The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) held a press conference on the 19th to announce that a research team led by HKUST President Ye Yuru successfully developed a cutting-edge blood test that can detect Alzheimer's disease early. Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment, providing practical solutions for the diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease worldwide.
HKUST stated that Alzheimer’s disease is affecting more than 50 million people worldwide. A key feature of the disease is the accumulation of harmful amyloid (Aβ) plaques in the brain, which leads to brain cell dysfunction and loss, leading to progressive memory loss, cognitive decline, and difficulties with daily activities and communication.
Recently, an international research collaboration led by Ye Yuru has made important progress, developing a blood test that can detect Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment early with high accuracy. In the study, which included Chinese and European populations, the team confirmed that the blood test is highly accurate at differentiating between people with Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment and people with normal cognition, and can detect brain Aβ protein pathology.
Additionally, existing blood tests for Alzheimer's disease primarily indicate brain pathology by analyzing a single biomarker. The blood test developed by HKUST can simultaneously detect changes in the levels of 21 blood protein biomarkers related to Alzheimer's disease, thereby revealing changes in multiple key physiological indicators and more accurately detecting Alzheimer's disease and mild dementia. Be aware of the disorder and closely monitor its progression. This multi-dimensional analysis helps develop personalized treatment plans, known as "precision medicine."
Ye Yuru said that the blood test is simple, efficient and less invasive, heralding the arrival of a new era of diagnosis. The research team has taken a key step toward promoting widespread use of the test's diagnostic tool by expanding the scope of the study to include a diverse population. The test can also be used to screen suitable patients for entry into clinical trials and drug treatments, as well as for close monitoring of disease progression and drug response. In the near future, it can also accelerate the development of personalized treatments by revealing the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease that differ between different populations and individuals.
This breakthrough technology has been licensed to HKUST's start-up company, Kangzhide Co., Ltd., to provide related blood testing services to the public. (over)