Nasal swab test promises early Alzheimer’s detection, Duke Health discovers
This groundbreaking test can distinguish between healthy individuals and those with early Alzheimer’s, offering a promising tool for early diagnosis and improved disease management.
A group of scientists from Duke Health have discovered a rapid pathway to diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease early. Testing includes a nasal swab, according to Duke.
The researchers evaluated the method on 22 participants.
What we know about the test:
It detects Alzheimer’s before the first symptoms appear
Collection involves a rapid nasal swab to gather nerve and immune cells
It analyzes active genes and differentiated between healthy patients and those with early and clinical Alzheimer’s “about 81% of the time”
It alerts researchers to “early shifts in nerve and immune cells”
The test could lead to more personalized treatment and preventive care for Alzheimer's patients. The researchers are now investigating if the nasal swab test can aid with treatment response surveillance.
