Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease may soon become more accurate and accessible with the introduction of a blood biomarker test combined with advanced brain imaging, experts have said. The approach allows clinicians to identify biological changes associated with Alzheimer’s long before noticeable memory loss or cognitive decline sets in.
According to Mahajan Imaging and Labs, the new method integrates an AI-enabled blood biomarker test with structured PET and MRI imaging pathways, marking a shift from symptom-based diagnosis to a biology-first approach in clinical practice.
How the new test works
The test measures the pTAU/Aβ1-42 ratio, a biomarker linked to the abnormal protein changes seen in Alzheimer’s disease. When combined with PET and MRI scans, doctors can gain a clearer picture of brain changes associated with the condition.
The blood biomarker test has received regulatory approval from the US Food and Drug Administration and India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, adding to its clinical credibility.
Detecting Alzheimer’s before symptoms appear
Traditionally, Alzheimer’s is diagnosed after patients begin experiencing memory loss, confusion or difficulty with daily activities. However, growing research suggests that the disease process begins a decade or more before symptoms emerge.
By identifying these changes early, doctors can help patients plan care, adopt lifestyle interventions, and explore treatment options at a much earlier stage.
Why this matters for India
With India’s ageing population, the number of people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s is expected to rise sharply in the coming years. Late diagnosis remains a major challenge, often limiting treatment effectiveness and increasing caregiver burden.
Blood-based tests are less invasive and potentially more scalable than traditional diagnostic methods, making them particularly valuable in resource-constrained settings.
Not a cure, but a crucial step
Experts caution that while early detection does not cure Alzheimer’s, it plays a critical role in slowing disease progression and improving quality of life. Early diagnosis also allows families to prepare emotionally, financially and medically for the future.
Researchers believe that AI-assisted biomarker testing, combined with imaging, could soon become a new standard in Alzheimer’s diagnostics, transforming how the disease is detected and managed.
