New immuno-infrared sensor aids in early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease

An early start to treatment is crucial to successful therapy. A new sensor is helping with early detection.

For the first time, therapeutically effective medications are now available for Alzheimer's disease. Effective symptomatic therapies also exist for Parkinson's disease. However, a prerequisite for successful treatment is early diagnosis - ideally through a simple blood test conducted as part of a preventive screening, even before clinical symptoms appear. A research team led by Professor Klaus Gerwert from Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, has developed just such a blood test. It is based on the immuno-infrared sensor, a novel platform technology to which the Journal of Physical Chemistry B dedicates its cover story in its issue from April 24, 2026.

In our aging society, cases of Alzheimer's and Parkison's disease are rising dramatically. This is not only immensely challenging for patients and their families, but it is also putting increasing strain on our healthcare systems.

Modern diagnoses are largely symptom-oriented, and thus are usually made too late. The brain is already massively and irreversibly damaged by the time symptoms start to appear.