Scottish Brain Sciences has teamed up with Roche Diagnostics to develop a new blood test for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease.

The Scottish corporation will work with Roche on several major projects that may result in a substantial impact, according to its CEO and founder Craig Ritchie, according to Edinburgh News.

This work aims to offer a deeper understanding of the initial biological alterations in neurodegenerative diseases by utilising blood-based biomarkers.

Recent evidence indicates that changes might occur in the brains of Alzheimer's patients before the disease's symptoms appear.

Early diagnostic tests can be developed by identifying and detecting these changes, helping to offer quicker treatment for patients.

Ritchie was quoted by the news publication as saying: “Early detection of brain changes associated with the earliest stages of neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer's disease through blood testing will be transformative in the way we assess, manage and conceptualise clinically Alzheimer's disease.

“It will open the door to interventions used very early in the course of disease that are better targeted than current treatments.

“There will be an expectation of big impacts on disease course and even prevention of the late-stage dementia syndromes associated with neurodegenerative disease.”

Alzheimer's disease is a slow-developing neurodegenerative disorder that worsens as it progresses. It is responsible for 60%–70% of all dementia cases. A common early indication of the disease is struggling to remember recent events.