01/30/2026
New Research Explores Finger-Prick Blood Test for Alzheimer’s Research
A new study published in Nature Medicine found that a simple finger-prick blood sample—collected as a dried blood spot—could detect key Alzheimer’s biomarkers with accuracy comparable to that of traditional blood draws.
This approach is not yet ready for clinical use, but researchers believe it could help expand access to Alzheimer’s research, especially for older adults, underserved communities, and individuals for whom standard blood draws are difficult.
“Blood-based biomarkers are transforming how we study Alzheimer’s disease—but rigorous validation still matters,” said Dr. Jonathan Fellows, Director of MIND’s Alzheimer’s Disease & Memory Disorder Center. “Innovations like dried blood spot testing could one day help researchers reach more people, sooner, and with fewer barriers.”
At the Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders (MIND), we continue to closely monitor advances in Alzheimer’s diagnostics, research, and care—always with patient safety, accuracy, and evidence at the forefront.
Research source: Nature Medicine (DROP-AD Study)
Learn more about Alzheimer’s care at MIND:
mindonline.com/alzheimers/