STORY: HKUST-led int'l research achieves breakthrough in Alzheimer's diagnosis, management
SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 19, 2024
DATELINE: Feb. 21, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:21
LOCATION: HONG KONG, China
CATEGORY: HEALTH

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the press conference

STORYLINE:

The international research collaboration led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has reached a significant milestone in the diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease (AD), according to a press conference on Monday in Hong Kong.

Spearheaded by Prof. Nancy Ip, President and the Morningside Professor of Life Science at HKUST, and Director of the Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (HKCeND), the team has developed an innovative blood test for the early detection of AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), boasting accuracy rates of over 96 percent and 87 percent, respectively.

Alzheimer's disease affects over 50 million people worldwide, characterized by the accumulation of toxic amyloid beta in the brain, leading to progressive memory loss and cognitive decline. While recent drug approvals offer hope, the majority of individuals remain undiagnosed and untreated due to the challenges in early detection. The HKUST-developed blood test provides a non-invasive solution, applicable across ethnic populations, potentially revolutionizing AD diagnosis and treatment strategies, according to the university.

SOUNDBITE (Chinese): JASON JIANG, Post-doctoral Fellow, Division of Life Science, HKUST
"Our blood tests are primarily aimed at detecting amyloid beta positive MCI patients, or testing within the general population at large. It can assist doctors and patients in identifying diseases as early as possible, enabling the treatment and timely management of these conditions."

According to the HKUST, unlike existing blood assays, which focus on single biomarker analysis, the HKUST-developed test simultaneously measures the levels of 21 proteins, revealing alterations in crucial biological pathways. This comprehensive profile enables a more accurate classification of AD and MCI, paving the way for personalized treatment approaches.

The research was conducted in collaboration with researchers at University College London, among others.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Hong Kong, China.
(XHTV)