DROP-AD
L’objectiu principal del projecte és desenvolupar i validar una metodologia innovadora basada en mostres de sang seca que permeti realitzar el diagnòstic precoç i l’avaluació del risc de la malaltia d’Alzheimer de manera remota, senzilla i accessible, mitjançant l’anàlisi de biomarcadors i factors genètics, afavorint una detecció precoç i una medicina més personalitzada.
DROP-AD is a research project developing a novel methodology to facilitate the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease through a simple dried blood spot sample obtained by finger prick. This approach will enable the remote analysis of biomarkers and genetic risk factors, reducing the need for travel to healthcare facilities and simplifying access to diagnosis. The project evaluates the reliability of this technology compared with conventional methods by analysing key Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers, including p-tau, neurofilament light chain (NfL), GFAP and beta-amyloid, as well as the APOE genotype, one of the main genetic risk factors associated with the disease. Developed through a collaboration between Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, the University of Gothenburg and the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, DROP-AD combines cutting-edge biomedical research with a strong clinical and societal focus. Its goal is to enable earlier, more accessible and scalable diagnosis, supporting the identification of individuals at risk, patient follow-up and the implementation of new therapies at the earliest stages of the disease. This initiative represents an important step towards more personalised, preventive and patient-centred medicine, helping to improve the quality of life of patients and caregivers while optimising healthcare resources.
