Point-of-Care Testing

Angie SzumlinskiNews

We have all heard about them, most of us have used them during the COVID pandemic, point-of-care testing. We can test for some of the most problematic infections in our communities but imagine if you will, being able to access point-of-care testing for diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)!  

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia. It is presently untreatable and associated with a high social and familial burden, for which national health systems are not prepared, constituting a major challenge for sustainable development. As disease modifying-treatments (DMT) for AD are becoming a possibility, evidence suggests any effective preventive or DMT must be started early in the disease process, stressing the importance of an early diagnosis based on easily accessible biomarkers. 

Drum roll please! The development of non-invasive markers of AD pathology in blood and skin samples is essential for screening the elderly population with memory complaints and could represent the first step to determine individuals at greatest risk of AD dementia. Scientists from Swansea University’s Institute for Innovative Materials, Processing and Numerical Technologies (IMPACT) and Japan have been awarded £1.3 million to develop a new “point of care testing” kit that can detect biomarkers for AD. The technology will include a “smart patch” that consists of a collection of tiny needles (microneedles) created to break the skin barrier in a minimally invasive manner, similar to a nicotine patch. Their innovative design means they can be developed to identify and monitor specific biomarkers in the skin!  

Wow, what a great idea, wish I had thought of it! In the meantime, let’s stay focused on the management of the disease, providing a caring, supportive environment for our residents living with dementia and their families. The future holds great research opportunities that may benefit everyone! Stay informed and stay well!