Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a major global health issue, with over 55 million people affected worldwide. Early detection of AD is challenging, as there is currently no simple molecular test for diagnosing the disease. Many people, particularly those in underserved communities, are often diagnosed late when treatment options are limited. 

Profound Research, in collaboration with BioSpyder Technologies, is working to change this. We are working to develop a new gene expression test using TempO-Seq® technology, which analyzes blood samples collected from a fingerstick. This sample is dried on filter paper, making it easy to collect in a doctor’s office or at home. The goal is to create a fast, minimally invasive way to screen for Alzheimer’s disease. 

The Problem with Current Testing Methods 

Currently, diagnosing Alzheimer’s involves a complex and time-consuming process. Patients typically undergo cognitive testing, brain scans, and biomarker tests for proteins like tau and amyloid-β (Aβ). These tests require specialized equipment and trained medical professionals, making them inaccessible to many, particularly in underserved areas. In the U.S., Alzheimer’s disease affects 6.5 million people, with higher rates among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic Americans who often face barriers to healthcare. 

To address this, Profound Research aimed to help BioSpyder Technologies develop a test that is easy to use and widely available. The TempO-Seq® testing platform uses a small blood sample that can be self-collected or collected in any doctor’s office, making it more accessible to people who may not have easy access to specialized care. 

The TempO-Seq® Gene Expression Test 

In this study, we tested blood samples from three groups: patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease (PD), and healthy controls. From these samples, we identified a gene signature made up of 68 key genes. Using this gene signature, the test was able to accurately classify patients with AD, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.9, and patients with PD with an AUC of 0.94. These high accuracy rates show that the test can potentially be used to detect AD and PD early on. 

“Our goal is to improve access to early diagnosis for everyone, especially those in underserved communities,” said Gregory Sahagian, Chief Scientific Officer at Profound Research and Principal Investigator at The Neurology Center of Southern California. “This test has the potential to transform how we detect Alzheimer’s and get patients the help they need sooner.” 

Addressing Health Disparities 

One of the most significant benefits of this new test is its ability to reach people who might not have access to specialized care. Current diagnostic methods require multiple visits to specialists, which is not always possible for people living in rural areas or underserved communities. By allowing patients to collect their own samples at home, the TempO-Seq® test could help close this gap in care. 

Looking Ahead 

While further research is needed to confirm whether this test can detect Alzheimer’s at its earliest stages, the initial results are promising. As we continue to refine the test, Profound Research is committed to making it available to all patients, helping to improve early detection and reduce health disparities in Alzheimer’s care. 

For more details on this study, see the original publication: 
Seligmann, Bruce et al. ‘Molecular Gene Expression Testing to Identify Alzheimer’s Disease with High Accuracy from Fingerstick Blood’. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 1 Jan. 2024: 1–10. https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-alzheimers-disease/jad240174