Brigham Young University researchers are leading a significant validation study of a blood test designed to detect neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease early — before symptoms appear.

In collaboration with the University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (KU ADRC), this research could transform early detection and intervention, potentially improving outcomes for the millions affected by the disease.

The test, developed in BYU professor Timothy Jenkins’ lab, detects cell-free DNA (cfDNA) — tiny fragments released into the bloodstream when brain cells die. By analyzing chemical cfDNA markers called methylation, researchers can trace these fragments back to their cell of origin, providing a clearer, more direct view of neurodegeneration.

Accelerating science

BYU researchers, including Ph.D. candidate Chad Pollard, will analyze 775 blood samples from individuals who have developed Alzheimer’s. The longitudinal samples collected by the KU ADRC over up to 12 years provide a unique opportunity to track how cfDNA levels change in the blood as the disease develops and progresses.

“This collaboration provides the clinical expertise and samples needed to validate our approach,” Jenkins said. “We aim to accelerate the technology’s availability, driving advancements in early detection and clinical application.”

KU ADRC co-Director Dr. Jeffrey Burns emphasized the significance of this collaboration. “We are bringing together the best of both worlds — the work we have done to collect these samples and the work BYU has done with this promising measure to move the science forward,” Burns said.

BYU is conducting this project in partnership with Resonant, a biotechnology company co-founded by Pollard and Jenkins, which aims to commercialize the test for clinical use as a part of their larger mission to translate academic research into clinical impact.

Looking ahead

While this study focuses on Alzheimer’s, similar tests are in development for Parkinson’s disease, ALS and traumatic brain injury — with the goal of creating a single blood panel capable of detecting neurodegeneration across multiple conditions.

“Early detection is key to effective intervention,” Pollard said. “By applying this technology across multiple diseases, we hope to build a tool that benefits millions.”

Early detection of Alzheimer’s could help patients, families, caregivers and healthcare systems by enabling earlier interventions, clinical trial enrollment and more personalized treatment strategies.

With BYU’s innovative research, KU ADRC’s robust clinical dataset and Resonant’s commercialization efforts, this study represents a significant step toward bringing leading science from the lab to the clinic.

If successful, this blood test could redefine Alzheimer’s management — offering hope for earlier treatment and improved outcomes for millions worldwide.

Erin Saito is a Ph.D. student at BYU.