Free Alzheimer's tests for 6,000 elderly in HKUST plan

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) on Monday launched a five-year scheme offering free screenings for grassroots senior residents to detect Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment early. The university said it would be recruiting 6,000 senior residents to join the programme, aiming for early detection so patients would be able to get medical treatment and intervention sooner. The screenings include cognitive ability assessments and routine blood tests, as well as biomarker assessments and brain imaging scans in certain cases. Such tests also involve using the artificial intelligence-empowered "multi-protein" blood test analysis technology, said to be a world first developed at HKUST and currently used in clinical applications. "What's more important about the scheme is that it'll include follow-ups after the tests," university president Nancy Ip said at a press briefing. "We will refer those in need to the relevant institutions based on the results of the clinical diagnoses. This will enable them to access the current medical system promptly, including diagnosis and support services at the community level." Ip, who's also director at the Hong Kong Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases, added she hoped early intervention could help delay cognitive decline in more patients while easing the pressure faced by caregivers. "We pay special attention to elderly people from grassroots families. At the same time, we place great importance on supporting caregivers," she said. "Through this plan, we hope to enhance awareness of Alzheimer's disease, reduce anxiety and strengthen people's ability to cope with caring for patients," she added. The university is also collaborating with Tung Wah College as well as more than 10 social welfare organisations in recruiting senior residents at over 40 community or elderly care centres. It noted that the scheme could ultimately benefit some 30,000 people, including caregivers. Edited by Tony Sabine