A simple blood test, combined with a special ultra-thin material called graphene, may soon help doctors find signs of Alzheimer’s disease years before symptoms begin.
Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia and affects millions of people. It slowly damages memory and thinking skills, and currently has no cure.
Right now, around 7 million people in Europe are living with Alzheimer’s, and that number is expected to double by 2030. Early detection is important because treatments work best when started as early as possible. That’s why scientists in Europe are working on a new and easier way to spot Alzheimer’s early.
The new project is called 2D-BioPAD. It started in late 2023 and is led by Dr. Aristeidis Bakandritsos from the Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute. The goal is to make Alzheimer’s testing simple, affordable, and non-invasive—something that can be done with just a blood sample instead of a spinal tap or brain scan.
The 2D-BioPAD device uses graphene, a super-thin material made from carbon that is stronger than steel and great at conducting electricity. When proteins related to Alzheimer’s disease stick to the graphene surface, they change the way electricity flows. These changes can be detected even when the proteins are present in very small amounts.
The device is being designed to test for up to five different Alzheimer’s-related proteins, called biomarkers. This is helpful because testing for more than one marker gives more reliable results.
The test would work a bit like a rapid COVID test, but it would give doctors more detailed information, such as the levels of these biomarkers. It would not give a yes-or-no answer, but rather help doctors decide if further testing is needed.
Testing is already happening in Finland, Greece, and Germany to see how well the tool works, if it’s safe, and how it might be used in regular doctor visits. Instead of replacing brain scans or spinal fluid tests, the new test could act as an early warning system, spotting risks long before memory loss begins.
This kind of early testing is more important than ever. In 2025, the EU approved the first two treatments that can slow down Alzheimer’s. These drugs work best in the early stages of the disease, so catching it early gives people a better chance to benefit from the treatment.
Cost is another big advantage of the 2D-BioPAD system. Today’s lab tests can cost over €40 per marker and need expensive equipment. The new system hopes to cut these costs with disposable test cartridges and a small device that could be connected to a tablet or phone.
The project also uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help design the tiny sensors in the device that recognize Alzheimer’s proteins. These AI-designed sensors are based on real protein data and can quickly be tested in computer simulations.
By the end of 2026, researchers expect to know how well the test compares to current lab equipment. If the results are good, the team will apply for more funding to move closer to offering the test in everyday clinics. The hope is that it could be widely available within five years.
This innovation could be a major step in tackling Alzheimer’s worldwide. Jean Georges from Alzheimer Europe supports the idea, saying it’s part of a growing movement to detect the disease early and reduce risk.
However, he also reminds us that any test must be used carefully. Knowing your risk of dementia can bring emotional and social challenges, so results should be shared with kindness and understanding.
This new technology brings hope. With simple tools, earlier detection, and lower costs, more people could get help sooner, improve their quality of life, and plan for the future.
If you care about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies that bad lifestyle habits can cause Alzheimer’s disease, and strawberries can be good defence against Alzheimer’s.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that oral cannabis extract may help reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms, and Vitamin E may help prevent Parkinson’s disease.
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