Forgetfulness? India’s New AI-Powered Blood Test Aims to Catch Alzheimer’s Early
By identifying biological signs of Alzheimer’s before severe symptoms appear, a novel blood test backed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) is driving a major shift in dementia diagnosis and care in India.
Published: January 20, 2026
Introduction
Forgetfulness is a common complaint at any age, but when memory lapses become frequent and persistent, they can be early signs of a far more serious condition: Alzheimer’s disease — the most common form of dementia. In India, where millions are affected and the population is rapidly aging, early detection and diagnosis have long been major challenges. Recent developments in diagnostic technology — particularly an AI-integrated blood test now being rolled out in the country — promise to change that.
This article explains what Alzheimer’s disease is, why early diagnosis matters, how the new test works, the challenges it aims to overcome, and what its rollout could mean for patients, families and the future of dementia care in India.
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease: A Global and Indian Context
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that slowly degrades memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday activities. It typically starts with mild forgetfulness and can, over years, progress to severe cognitive impairment. As the disease advances, it disrupts the communication between brain cells and leads to their death.
Globally, dementia affects tens of millions of older adults. Alzheimer’s accounts for an estimated 60–70% of all dementia cases, making it a leading public health concern.
In India, demographic shifts and an expanding elderly population have contributed to a rise in dementia cases. Researchers estimate that over 8.8 million Indians aged 60 and above currently live with dementia, and this number could nearly double by 2036 as life expectancy increases.
Traditional diagnosis of Alzheimer’s has depended on symptom assessment and, in some cases, expensive imaging tests such as PET scans or invasive cerebrospinal fluid analysis. These methods, while accurate, are often inaccessible for much of the population due to cost, availability, and patient discomfort.
Why Early Detection Matters
One of the core challenges in Alzheimer’s care has been late diagnosis. Often, the disease’s biological changes begin years — even a decade or more — before symptoms become obvious. During this “preclinical” phase, the brain gradually accumulates abnormal proteins, such as amyloid plaques and tau tangles, which are central to Alzheimer’s pathology.
Identifying the disease before severe cognitive decline has several important implications:
- Timely intervention: Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, certain treatments and lifestyle changes can slow progression if started early.
- Better planning: Patients and families can prepare emotionally, financially and socially for future care needs.
- Improved care coordination: Clinicians can tailor care plans and monitor disease progression more effectively.
However, without reliable and accessible tests that detect biological changes early, many people do not receive a diagnosis until symptoms are already advanced.
The New AI-Powered Blood Test: What It Is and How It Works
In January 2026, Mahajan Imaging & Labs launched what is being described as India’s first AI-integrated blood biomarker test for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease. This plasma test measures specific proteins in the blood that are associated with Alzheimer’s pathology — pTau217 and β-Amyloid1-42 — using AI algorithms for enhanced interpretation.
Key Features
- The test analyzes a small blood sample, making it far less invasive than traditional approaches like spinal taps.
- It has been approved by both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), reflecting international and national confidence in its diagnostic value.
- Clinical data presented at the launch show the test has high accuracy, with over 91% positive concordance and over 97% negative concordance compared with amyloid PET imaging.
The Role of AI
Artificial intelligence plays a critical role in analyzing complex biomarker patterns in the blood and correlating them with established disease markers. AI models help identify subtle signatures of Alzheimer’s pathology that may be difficult to detect with traditional analytic methods alone.
Integrated Diagnostic Pathway
Rather than standing alone, the blood test is part of a broader diagnostic workflow:
- Primary screening starts with the AI-powered blood biomarker test.
- Follow-up imaging (such as MRI or PET scans) is recommended if results are positive or borderline.
- AI tools assist clinicians in interpreting combined biomarker and imaging data to arrive at a more accurate diagnosis.
This tiered approach balances affordability, accessibility and diagnostic precision — using the blood test as a gateway to more detailed follow-up when needed.
Benefits and Challenges
Advantages
✔ Accessibility: A blood test can be conducted in routine clinical settings, lowering barriers to early detection.
✔ Reduced cost and complexity: Blood tests are cheaper and less invasive than PET scans or cerebrospinal fluid analysis.
✔ Earlier diagnosis: By detecting biological signs before significant symptoms appear, patients may benefit from earlier clinical attention and support.
✔ Tailored care: Integration with imaging and AI interpretation helps clinicians make better-informed treatment decisions.
Challenges
Despite promise, challenges remain:
- Availability: While blood tests are more accessible than advanced imaging, they still require laboratory infrastructure that may be limited in rural or underserved regions.
- Clinical interpretation: Biomarker levels must be interpreted carefully within the context of each patient’s medical history and risk factors.
- Standardisation: Consistent testing protocols and physician training are necessary to ensure reliable use across diverse healthcare settings.
- Awareness: Patients and clinicians alike must understand the value and limitations of early biomarker testing to avoid misinterpretation.
Impact on People and Families
For individuals experiencing early memory lapses or cognitive concerns, an accurate and relatively simple test can be transformative. Early diagnosis:
- Provides clarity about the cause of symptoms.
- Opens doors to supportive therapies, counselling, and lifestyle interventions.
- Enables families to plan ahead — from legal and financial decisions to caregiving arrangements.
- Reduces uncertainty, which can itself be a major source of stress.
In a country like India, where multigenerational living and informal caregiving are common, early and reliable diagnosis can help families organise care more effectively and potentially reduce long-term burden on caregivers.
The Future Outlook
The launch of AI-integrated blood testing for Alzheimer’s in India is part of a broader global shift toward earlier, biology-based diagnosis. Similar tests have been gaining approval in other countries, and researchers are exploring even simpler formats — such as finger-prick home tests — in clinical research settings.
As these technologies mature, several trends are likely to shape the future of Alzheimer’s care:
Broader Clinical Adoption
With continued validation and guidelines from professional organisations, blood biomarker testing may become standard practice for people presenting cognitive concerns.
Integration With Therapeutics
Emerging treatments designed to slow disease progression are most effective when started early. Blood tests could help identify suitable candidates sooner.
Predictive and Preventive Strategies
Future tools may combine genetic, biomarker and lifestyle data to estimate Alzheimer’s risk years before symptoms appear — enabling preventive approaches rather than reactive ones.
Conclusion
Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the most profound challenges in neurological health, particularly in aging populations. For decades, the lack of accessible, accurate early diagnosis has limited opportunities for timely intervention and planning. The advent of AI-enhanced blood biomarker testing in India signals a meaningful step toward filling that gap. By making early detection safer, more affordable and more widely available, this innovation has the potential to reshape how Alzheimer’s is understood and managed — not just here, but around the world.
As scientists continue refining diagnostic tools and treatments, combining technological innovation with clinical insight will be key to improving outcomes for millions affected by dementia.