Swabbing the Nose Could Spot Alzheimer’s Early
Scientists at Duke University have introduced an innovative test that uses a microscopic brush to collect cells from the upper part of the nose—where our smell‑sensing nerves reside. The goal is to uncover early clues of Alzheimer’s before memory problems become apparent.
How the Test Works
Preparation
A numbing spray is applied, followed by a gentle brush insertion into the upper nasal cavity.Cell Collection
The brush gathers a small sample of nasal cells, which contain genes active in the brain.Genomic Analysis
Researchers examine thousands of genes across individual cells, generating millions of data points.
Key Findings
- The test detected changes in nerve and immune cells even when participants had laboratory signs of Alzheimer’s but were asymptomatic.
- It correctly identified early or clinical Alzheimer’s in ~81 % of cases, outperforming some blood tests that only pick up later markers.
- The technique offers a live snapshot of brain tissue, moving beyond post‑mortem studies.
Participant Story
One volunteer joined the study to honor her sister, who died from young‑onset Alzheimer’s at 57. She said she wanted to help prevent other families from experiencing the same loss.
Next Steps
Duke is collaborating with the UNC Alzheimer’s Research Center to:
- Expand testing to larger groups.
- Evaluate whether the swab can monitor patient responses over time.
The hope is that this minimally invasive approach will allow doctors to initiate treatments before serious damage occurs, potentially altering the course of Alzheimer’s disease.
