Blood test using tiny particles (extracellular vesicles) to find Alzheimer's early
A Diagnostic Platform for Extracellular Vesicle-Derived Biomarkers - Towards Early Detection of Alzheimer's Disease
Developing a blood test that looks for tiny particles called extracellular vesicles to find Alzheimer's early in people at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina Agri & Tech St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Greensboro, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321687 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are working to create a non-invasive blood-based platform that detects Alzheimer's-related molecules carried inside tiny particles called extracellular vesicles. The team will apply highly sensitive detection methods to pick up very low amounts of these signals in blood that standard lab tests miss. This approach aims to avoid spinal taps and expensive brain scans by enabling a simpler screening option. If the platform works, it could help identify preclinical Alzheimer's before major symptoms appear.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults at risk for Alzheimer's—such as older people, those with mild memory concerns, or people with a family history—who can provide blood samples would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with advanced Alzheimer's, those whose cognitive problems are caused by other diagnoses, or anyone unable to give blood are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could enable earlier, easier screening for Alzheimer's using a simple blood sample so treatments or lifestyle steps can start sooner.
How similar studies have performed: Some early studies suggest extracellular vesicles can carry Alzheimer's signals and existing CSF and PET biomarkers work well but are invasive or costly, so EV-based blood tests are promising but not yet proven in routine care.
Where this research is happening
Greensboro, United States
- North Carolina Agri & Tech St Univ — Greensboro, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dellinger, Kristen — North Carolina Agri & Tech St Univ
- Study coordinator: Dellinger, Kristen
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 below.