Interview: How AI-driven blood test could speed Alzheimer’s diagnosis

A new plasma technology powered by AI could transform the early detection of Alzheimer’s Disease. Agetech World speaks to Cognitac CEO Stella Ling to find out more.

Existing blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mainly focus on its pathological features such as amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau protein pathology, however, tests for other biomarkers are limited – making comprehensive evaluation difficult.

With a simple blood draw, Cognitac’s test uses a chip assay to measure 22 blood protein biomarkers. The test detects amyloid-β pathology in the brain and monitors six Alzheimer’s pathways.

These include amyloid and tau pathology, neural function, vascular function, metabolic function, innate immunity and inflammation.

Speaking to Agetech World, Cognitac CEO Stella Ling explains how the test can provide insights for patient stratification and precision medicine.

How does the test work?

“The test works by measuring 22 different protein biomarkers from a single blood sample. All of that data is run through a validated AI algorithm that calculates an integrated score,” says Ling.

“The higher the score, the greater the likelihood of Alzheimer’s pathology, specifically, the presence of amyloid plaques in the brain.

“The test is incredibly accurate. We’re talking about over 95 per cent sensitivity and specificity, which is remarkable.

“That means it’s highly reliable in detecting amyloid positivity without needing an invasive PET scan or spinal tap.”

How does this enable personalised treatments?

“While current tests can detect biomarkers such as amyloid plaques, Cognitac’s test provides deeper analysis to understand what drives the disease in each individual.

“One of the most powerful aspects of the test is that these biomarkers reflect not only neurological function, but also things like vascular health, metabolism, and inflammation,” says Ling.

“So, if someone tests positive, we can dive deeper into what might be driving the disease in that individual.

“It’s not just about detection, it’s also about understanding the underlying biological processes that contribute to Alzheimer’s, which opens the door to more personalised treatment strategies.

“For patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, the test can also be used over time to monitor progression. Now that there are new Alzheimer’s drugs available, we can use this test to see if those treatments are actually making a difference biologically, not just clinically,” says Ling.

“We think it has strong potential not just for diagnosis, but also for tracking and managing the disease.”

How are you making the test accessible?

“The company has conducted clinical trials on the test with thousands of patients, and results have shown that the assay accurately classified Alzheimer’s Disease and mild cognitive impairment as well as indicating brain amyloid pathology. The study also found that the test was successfully able to evaluate the changes of biological processes in individuals.

“Currently, the assay is offered as a lab-developed test (LDT), and it’s already being used in private hospitals in Hong Kong. Physicians, including neurologists and geriatricians, can order it today, but we’re also working on a cheaper version in the form of an IVD kit,” says Ling.

“The goal is to make it widely accessible so hospitals anywhere can run it on-site. That would allow for large-scale population screening, which is critical if we want to catch Alzheimer’s before symptoms appear.

“Of course, this requires regulatory approval, we’re currently conducting clinical trials to support that.

“We have global ambitions, but it all depends on regulatory processes. For example, we’ll need IVDR approval in Europe before we can expand there. That’s the next major step.

“If all goes well, we hope to bring this test to new markets within the next two years. But scaling globally takes time – especially with something as sensitive and important as Alzheimer’s detection.”

Agetech World met Stella Ling at the Asia Summit on Global Health, facilitated by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).