A device to measure biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease
Official title: A lab-on-a-chip device for measuring multiple biochemical and biophysical biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11080898 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a small, affordable device that can easily check for signs of Alzheimer's disease without needing painful tests, helping doctors find new ways to understand and treat the condition better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $216,125 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG085089-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080898 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals showing early signs of cognitive decline or those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those who do not exhibit any cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a lab-on-a-chip device that can measure various biochemical and biophysical biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's disease. The goal is to create a low-cost, non-invasive method that can replace current invasive and expensive testing methods like cerebrospinal fluid analysis and PET scans. By utilizing advanced techniques such as Raman spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, the research aims to identify new biomarkers that reflect structural changes in proteins related to Alzheimer's. This innovative approach could enhance the ability to enroll appropriate patient cohorts for clinical trials and improve the understanding of Alzheimer's mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accessible and accurate diagnostic tools for Alzheimer's disease, improving patient care and treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using Raman spectroscopy and mass spectrometry for identifying biomarkers in neurological disorders, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Coughlan, Mark — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Coughlan, Mark
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.