Alzheimer’s disease could soon be detected by GPs using a small, hand-held device developed by Australian experts.

Monash University engineers have developed a first-of-its-kind finger-prick blood test to detect the hallmark protein in early Alzheimer’s before symptoms progress.

The size of a credit card, it uses world-first patented sensor technology to detect ultra-low concentrations of disease markers in blood in minutes.

Associate Professor Sudha Mokkapati, from Monash Materials Science and Engineering, said the device removes the need for laboratory-pathology tests and could change the prognosis for countless people.

“It’s simple to use, low-cost and portable so it could be made widely accessible to GPs to screen patients right at the point of care,” Professor Mokkapati said.

“Detecting very early disease in large populations could dramatically change the trajectory of this burdening disease for many patients and shave millions off associated healthcare costs.”

Alzheimer’s, a debilitating and progressive neurodegenerative disease, affects up to one in 10 Australians over 65 and three in 10 Australians over 85.

It’s the second leading cause of death in Australia, according to the Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation.

The next stage is to undertake the clinical validation and get the funding needed to bring it a step closer to reality, Mokkapati said.

Associate Professor Matthew Pase, at Monash’s School of Psychological Sciences, said the device could facilitate earlier and more efficient diagnosis.

“Most patients with neurodegenerative disease are typically diagnosed at advanced stages. Sadly, treatments targeting late-onset disease provide limited therapeutic benefit,” Pase said.

“Earlier screening could change the outlook for many patients diagnosed with cognitive impairment, increasing the chance of halting or slowing symptom development and the rapid progression of the disease.”