A blood test developed with EU funds could detect Alzheimer’s before symptoms.

A project supported by the European Union develops a graphene-based diagnostic tool and artificial intelligence aimed at the early detection of Alzheimer's disease through a minimally invasive blood test, with potential for use outside specialized hospitals.

Researchers supported by the European Union are developing a tool for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease through a simple blood test, based on a graphene electrochemical biosensor, within the 2D-BioPAD project. According to a presentation published by CORDIS, the objective is to detect the disease years before the onset of symptoms, through a method that is less invasive than current imaging techniques or cerebrospinal fluid analysis.

In short

1. The European project 2D-BioPAD develops a blood test for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease.

2. The technology uses a graphene-based electrochemical biosensor and aptamers that can simultaneously identify multiple biomarkers from a very small amount of blood.

3. The tool is designed for use outside specialized hospitals, including by family doctors and in community health centers.

4. The project integrates artificial intelligence both in data analysis and in the design of the biosensor and selection of aptamers.

5. Pilot studies are already underway in Germany, Greece, and Finland.

The article published by CORDIS presents the project as a response to one of the major challenges of modern neurology: the early detection of Alzheimer's disease. In its current form, diagnosis often relies on expensive imaging techniques or invasive procedures for cerebrospinal fluid analysis, which means that many patients receive a diagnosis only in advanced stages, when the effectiveness of treatments is lower. 2D-BioPAD aims to fill this gap with a point-of-care tool, intended for rapid testing close to the patient, not exclusively in large hospitals or specialized laboratories.

The device described by the project is based on an electrochemical biosensor made from graphene, a two-dimensional material highlighted in the text for its conductivity and resistance. Aptamers, synthetic molecules designed to bind precisely to the targeted proteins, are added to it. According to CORDIS's description, the combination allows for the simultaneous identification of multiple biomarkers from a very small drop of blood and the detection of disease indicators at lower concentrations than those accessible by conventional methods.

A central element of the project is shifting screening to primary care. The system is described as being designed for use outside specialized hospitals, so that the initial diagnosis can be made by family doctors and in community health centers. The text specifies that the goal is not to replace brain scans or lumbar punctures, but to create an opportunity for earlier screening, before the onset of symptoms and at a time when treatments could be more effective.

The technological dimension of the project goes beyond the biosensor itself, as 2D-BioPAD also integrates artificial intelligence at multiple stages. CORDIS shows that machine learning algorithms are used not only for data analysis but also as a design tool for the biosensor. Artificial intelligence is used to identify sequences of aptamers for specific biomarkers, to narrow down the list of candidates, and to anticipate how well these aptamers might function in the graphene-based device. In parallel, AI models are also used to explore possible improvements in the manufacturing process, including regarding sensitivity, defect levels, and conductivity.

The CORDIS text also emphasizes the potential impact on health systems. According to the article, the high sensitivity of the sensor could allow for the detection of the disease before significant cognitive decline sets in, opening a "critical window" for treatment. Additionally, the minimally invasive nature of the test could reduce anxiety and discomfort for patients, and the portability and ease of use could transform Alzheimer's screening from a complex, hospital-based procedure into a routine part of primary healthcare, reducing pressure on health systems and likely diagnostic costs.

Vincent Bouchiat, CEO and co-founder of project partner Grapheal, is quoted as saying, "There are good reasons to believe that you could develop dementia. New drugs for Alzheimer's show promise in delaying disease progression, which is clearly a huge step forward."

Aristeidis Bakandritsos, principal researcher at the Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, part of the project coordinator Palacký University Olomouc, states that "Early detection will only become realistic for people if it is affordable for the healthcare service and painless and simple for the patient."

The article specifies that pilot studies are already underway in Germany, Greece, and Finland. The formula used by CORDIS is that the project "promises to redefine the landscape of Alzheimer's diagnosis," but the text does not provide at this stage detailed clinical data regarding the accuracy of the test, the regulatory approval timeline, or when the tool might enter current medical use. From the published information, it appears that the project is in a development and validation stage, not in a stage of widespread clinical implementation.

2D-BioPAD is presented by CORDIS as a EU-funded project for the development of a "Supple Graphene Bio-Platform for point-of-care early detection and monitoring of Alzheimer’s Disease." The material places it in the area of applied European research, where the goal is not only scientific progress but also the transfer to practically usable tools in health.

In the visual presentation of the page, the project is associated with three key axes: graphene-based technology, support from artificial intelligence, and minimally invasive screening. The same page also indicates that the text was published on March 17, 2026, and the site update is dated March 27, 2026. CORDIS also lists the 2D-BioPAD project as an associated project and refers to other materials about European research in the field of Alzheimer’s, suggesting that the initiative is treated as part of a broader effort of medical innovation funded by the EU.

https://2eu.brussels/ro/stiri/un-test-de-sange-dezvoltat-cu-fonduri-ue-ar-putea-depista-alzheimer-inainte-de-simptome