Malaysia's new test kit paves the way for early dementia detection
The test kit has the potential to change the way dementia is diagnosed.
In an effort to combat dementia, Malaysia is set to pioneer a non-invasive, cost-effective screening method that could transform early detection in the country’s ageing population.
This initiative is spearheaded by Clotech Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with Hospital Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (HSAAS), and could be a game-changer in the fight against this debilitating condition.
The two have teamed up to conduct clinical studies on a revolutionary diagnostic tool, the One Step Dementia Risk Test Kit which promises to make early detection of dementia more accessible and less invasive.
The test kit, developed by Hunan Qankorey Biotechnology and distributed in Malaysia by Clotech, has the potential to change the way dementia is diagnosed.
It works by detecting Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) fragments in urine; a crucial indicator of early cognitive impairment and dementia, including Alzheimer’s Disease.
This non-invasive approach could allow for mass screening of at-risk individuals, offering a simple and affordable alternative to current diagnostic methods like MRIs, CT scans and blood tests, which are not only costly but also less practical for widespread use.
Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Faculty of Medicine, Head of the Neurology Department, Associate Professor Dr Liyana Najwa Binti Inche Mat said that the test kit could be a real game-changer.
“It is quick, easy, and does not require any specialised equipment, making it ideal for routine use in clinics and hospitals.
“Early detection is crucial because it gives individuals and their families time to make necessary adjustments and access the support they need, potentially slowing the progression of the disease,” she said.
The statistics paint a troubling picture in which, an estimated 8.5 per cent to 11 per cent of Malaysia’s older population currently lives with dementia, and this number is expected to rise dramatically. By 2050, the number of Malaysians affected could increase by over 300 per cent, impacting more than 630,000 individuals.
The introduction of the One Step Dementia Risk Test Kit offers hope in the face of these alarming figures, providing a means for early intervention that could significantly improve quality of life for those affected.
The collaboration was formalised on Aug 1, with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between Clotech and HSAAS. The research conducted will focus on adults aged 65 and above who do not currently exhibit memory problems, aiming to validate the kit’s effectiveness within the Malaysian population. If successful, this could lead to widespread use of the test kit across the country, potentially transforming dementia care.
The test kit has already garnered approval from Malaysia’s Medical Device Authority (MDA) and is in use in several hospitals across China. It has also been approved in European countries like Austria, Hungary, Slovaki, and the Czech Republic.
Early results from studies conducted in Australia, China, and now Malaysia indicate that the test kit is highly effective in identifying individuals at risk for dementia, which could make it a global tool for early detection.
Clotech Director Ng Lyp Hau expressed deep gratitude to HSAAS for their support, mentioning that this partnership is a significant step forward in ensuring that our healthcare system remains at the forefront of medical innovation.
“The introduction of this test kit could have a profound impact on public health in Malaysia, allowing for earlier diagnosis and better management of dementia on a national scale, Ng said.
As Malaysia faces the challenges of an ageing population, this new diagnostic tool provides a beacon of hope for early detection and intervention, potentially altering the course of dementia care in the country.
