New at-home test could ‘revolutionise’ Alzheimer’s diagnosis

TechnologyHealth & Fitness
6 May 2026 • 5:52 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

New at-home test could ‘revolutionise’ Alzheimer’s diagnosis

  • Scientists have developed an innovative at-home test designed to predict an individual's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
  • The novel method combines a simple finger-prick blood test, which can be posted to labs, with an online cognitive assessment, both conveniently conducted from home.
  • This home-based screening aims to identify individuals experiencing early memory and cognitive issues, allowing those at highest risk to be prioritised for further diagnostic tests, treatment, and support.
  • The finger-prick blood tests look for specific biomarkers, p-tau217 and GFAP, which have been linked to Alzheimer's disease and broader brain decline respectively.
  • Experts believe this approach could revolutionise dementia diagnosis by offering a scalable and cost-effective way to screen people, though larger and more diverse studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness in everyday healthcare settings.

IN FULL

Newswav Malaysia Best News App

Newswav is an online content aggregator and obtains its content from different online sources. The content in the app do not belong to Newswav nor do they reflect the opinions of Newswav and its staff. Your use of this app indicates your understanding and acceptance of this information.

Newswav Sdn. Bhd. (201701008480 (1222645-M)) 2026 All Rights Reserved