Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 20: Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is now possible well before severe cognitive symptoms appear, with the help of a new Artificial Intelligence-integrated blood biomarker test combined with advanced imaging, a leading diagnostic centre chain said on Monday.

Mahajan Imaging and Labs announced the introduction of an AI-enabled blood biomarker test, supported by structured PET and MRI imaging pathways, marking a shift from symptom-based assessments to a biology-first diagnosis in Indian clinical practice.

The new diagnostic method uses the pTAU/Aβ1-42 blood biomarker test, which has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as well as India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). The expanded approach was formally unveiled and discussed during a scientific symposium held in Gurugram on Sunday.

Globally, Alzheimer’s diagnosis increasingly relies on amyloid PET imaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing. However, in India, limited availability and high costs — with amyloid PET scans costing up to Rs 2 lakh — have restricted access, forcing many clinicians to depend largely on symptom-based diagnosis.

Dr Harsh Mahajan, founder and chairman of Mahajan Imaging and Labs, said the integration of laboratory diagnostics with imaging is a major breakthrough.

“A key differentiator of our approach is the integration of blood biomarkers with imaging such as 18F FDG PET scans. This can be a game-changer not only for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, but also for monitoring patients undergoing newer treatments to assess response,” he said.

He added that the conclusions from the symposium would be submitted to the Neurological Society of India to aid in framing national guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, with potential implications for global clinical practice as well.

Dr Shelly Mahajan, lab director at Mahajan Imaging and Labs, noted that Alzheimer’s diagnosis has traditionally been delayed as it depended on the appearance of clinical symptoms.

“Blood-based biomarkers allow clinicians to identify Alzheimer’s pathology much earlier, when patients and families still have the opportunity to plan, intervene and make informed care decisions. Bringing this testing to India removes a major access barrier and aligns us with evolving global standards,” she said.

Dr M V Padma, chairperson of Neurology at Paras Health, Gurugram, said integrating blood biomarkers with MRI and PET-CT imaging enables timely detection, appropriate referral and better care planning.

“It strengthens the healthcare system’s ability to respond proactively and reduces the long-term burden on families and society,” she said.

Until recently, Alzheimer’s biomarker testing required cerebrospinal fluid samples, involving invasive procedures. With plasma-based testing, the same critical information can now be obtained through a simple blood test, making diagnosis safer and more acceptable for patients, the company said.

According to recent estimates, over 8.8 million Indians aged 60 and above are currently living with dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease accounting for the majority of cases. This figure is expected to nearly double over the next decade, underscoring the urgent need for early and accurate diagnostic tools to support timely intervention and care planning.