Alzheimer’s Disease Research Tools: Key Assays and Diagnostic Kits
Alzheimer’s disease research relies on a wide range of molecular assays and diagnostic tools to study neurodegeneration, oxidative stress, inflammation, and blood-based biomarkers. Whether in early-stage drug discovery or biomarker validation, tools like the neurite outgrowth assay, SOD activity assay, and mouse PBMC isolation kit play essential roles.
the most important things to know about Alzheimer’s disease
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Alzheimer’s Starts Years Before Symptoms Appear
One of the most critical facts is that Alzheimer’s disease begins silently, often 10–20 years before memory loss becomes obvious. During this time, harmful proteins like amyloid-beta and tau build up in the brain, causing slow but steady damage.
There’s No Cure Yet, but Treatments and Trials Are Progressing
There’s currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, but FDA-approved drugs can help manage symptoms. New disease-modifying treatments like lecanemab are in development. Clinical trials around the world are testing therapies that target amyloid, tau, inflammation, and even lifestyle interventions.
Biomarkers Are the Key to Early Detection
Today, scientists can detect Alzheimer’s before symptoms appear using biomarkers — measurable substances in blood or spinal fluid. Biomarkers like amyloid-beta, tau protein, neurofilament light chain, and new blood tests for Alzheimer’s help doctors diagnose the disease earlier and monitor its progression.
Lab Techniques Used in Alzheimer’s Research
Alzheimer’s research labs use a variety of molecular and biochemical assays to understand the disease. Some commonly used tools include:
| Lab Tool | Purpose in Alzheimer’s Research |
|---|---|
| Neurite Outgrowth Assay | Tests neuron health and regeneration after amyloid-beta exposure |
| Mouse PBMC Isolation Kit | Isolates immune cells to study neuroinflammatory responses |
| SOD Activity Assay | Measures oxidative stress protection in brain cells |
| TBARS Assay Kit | Detects lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage |
| Lowry Assay | Quantifies total brain or CSF protein levels for biomarker studies |
| Home Platelet Test Kit | Investigates vascular health linked to dementia |
| Normetanephrine Urine Test | Assesses stress hormones, which may play a role in brain aging |
| Phenolphthalein Alkalinity | Used in sample preparation or buffer pH balance in lab protocols |