Last week, an international team led by the city's researchers unveiled a blood test to identify dementia in its early stages, providing yet another reminder of Hong Kong's progress into becoming a biotech hub. The study, led by researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, could help treat neurodegenerative diseases before symptoms appear.
Professor Nancy Yip Yuk-yu, team leader and university president, said the simple, accurate and minimally invasive test has an accuracy of nearly 90 per cent and is “a viable option for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.” He said he would provide a solution. Such results could help identify suitable candidates for new drugs, which were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last year.
University president wants to establish Hong Kong's third medical school by 2027
University president wants to establish Hong Kong's third medical school by 2027
According to the World Health Organization, more than 55 million people worldwide are affected by dementia. With nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed each year, Alzheimer's disease is the most common dementia.
Early detection is notoriously difficult and relies on experts who often have to perform subjective clinical assessments. Patients and their families usually recognize the need for medical attention only when symptoms appear and the disease is too advanced to be treated.
This blood test is considered suitable for people over the age of 55 who have a family history of dementia or who are showing signs of memory loss. The test is already being conducted by a private company, and researchers are in talks with city officials about introducing it as part of regular public health testing.
This is the latest feather in the cap of the city's world-class university system. Last July, Chinese University molecular biologist Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-min introduced a new blood test for cancer. Previously, diagnosis required biopsies and the study of changes in blood protein “tumor markers,” an invasive, expensive, laborious and time-consuming process. New tests show the value of supporting research. They not only help patients around the world, but also support Hong Kong's life sciences ecosystem, which can foster further advances in the future.
