Using dried blood spots to measure Alzheimer's disease biomarkers
Official title: Potential of Dried Blood Spots for Measurement of Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10983515 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether people can easily collect their own dried blood samples at home with a fingerstick to help track changes related to Alzheimer's disease, making it simpler and less invasive to monitor the condition over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $459,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG089842-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10983515 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who are able to perform self-collection of blood samples.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those unable to perform the fingerstick collection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of using dried blood spots (DBS) collected through a simple fingerstick method at home to measure biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's disease. By allowing patients to collect their own samples, this approach aims to make the process less invasive and more convenient, potentially leading to more frequent monitoring of disease progression. The study will validate the accuracy and stability of these DBS samples compared to traditional blood collection methods. If successful, this could enhance the ability to detect changes in Alzheimer's pathology over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a less invasive and more accessible method for monitoring Alzheimer's disease biomarkers, improving patient care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using dried blood spots for various biomarker measurements, but this specific application for Alzheimer's disease is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Webb, Pia Kivisakk — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Webb, Pia Kivisakk
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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.