An international research trial is currently testing a simple finger-prick blood test that experts believe could transform the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. This new approach aims to provide a quick, affordable, and less invasive way to detect the devastating condition years before symptoms fully appear, potentially replacing costly and complex current diagnostic methods. The Bio-Hermes-002 study has already enrolled 883 of its target 1,000 participants globally, including individuals from the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada.[news+3]
Easier, Faster Diagnosis on the Horizon
Currently, a definitive Alzheimer's diagnosis often requires specialized brain scans, such as PET scans, or invasive spinal fluid tests called lumbar punctures. These procedures are expensive, time-consuming, and not always accessible, creating significant barriers for many patients.The new finger-prick test could change this by allowing screening in routine doctor's offices. Experts say this would make timely diagnosis available to more people, especially those in areas with limited specialized healthcare.[news+8]
The Bio-Hermes-002 trial, led by the not-for-profit medical research organization LifeArc and the Global Alzheimer's Platform Foundation, with support from the UK Dementia Research Institute, is investigating if the test can accurately identify specific proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease.Researchers are looking for three key proteins: phosphorylated tau 217 (pTau217), Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and Neurofilament light polypeptide (NfL).Levels of these proteins change in the blood when Alzheimer's disease is developing in the brain.[news+7]
"Developing cheaper, scalable and more accessible tests is vital in the battle against this devastating condition," Dr. Giovanna Lalli, Director of Strategy and Operations at LifeArc, said.Professor Henrik Zetterberg, from the UK Dementia Research Institute, noted the study's broad scope, including 30% of volunteers from under-represented groups.He also emphasized that the trial's results will be carefully compared against current "gold standard" diagnostic techniques to ensure accuracy.[independent+4]
Unlocking Earlier Treatment Options
Detecting Alzheimer's disease at its earliest stages is crucial because new treatments are most effective before significant brain damage occurs.These emerging therapies aim to slow the progression of the disease, rather than reverse it.An early diagnosis allows patients to access these treatments sooner, potentially delaying the onset or worsening of symptoms.[clpmag+12]
The brain changes associated with Alzheimer's can begin up to 15 years before memory problems become noticeable.A simple blood test could identify individuals at high risk during this long "unseen" window.This early identification would also help pharmaceutical companies in clinical trials, allowing them to recruit patients who are highly likely to develop the disease, thus improving the efficiency and success rates of new drug development.[sciencemediacentre+6]
Other Blood Tests Paving the Way
While the finger-prick test is still in trials, other blood tests for Alzheimer's are already making an impact. In May 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio test. This test, developed by Fujirebio Diagnostics, measures two proteins, pTau217 and ß-Amyloid 1-42, to detect amyloid plaques in the brain with over 90% accuracy. It is approved for adults aged 55 and older who show signs of cognitive decline.[mayoclinic+6]
Another notable development is Diadem SpA's AlzoSure Predict test, which received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in January 2022. This non-invasive blood test can predict the progression to Alzheimer's disease up to six years before a clinical diagnosis, with high accuracy, by measuring a specific biomarker called U-p53AZ. Quest Diagnostics licensed the exclusive U.S. rights to this technology in October 2023, aiming to improve access to such tests.[mayoclinic+10]
C2N Diagnostics also offers blood tests like PrecivityAD and its successor, PrecivityAD2, launched in 2023. PrecivityAD2 measures amyloid-beta and tau proteins and has shown about 90% accuracy in identifying Alzheimer's in people experiencing cognitive symptoms. These tests not only help diagnose the disease but can also indicate how far it has progressed, aiding in personalized treatment plans.[newsroom+3]
These advancements mean that blood tests are becoming a critical component of the diagnostic process, offering a less invasive and more accessible alternative to traditional methods. Experts believe that widespread availability of simple blood tests will allow for earlier detection, more effective interventions, and ultimately, better outcomes for millions of people affected by Alzheimer's disease worldwide.[brightfocus+10]
