News Summary

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is advancing Alzheimer’s disease research with the installation of two Quanterix HD-X machines. These machines will enhance diagnostics and support innovative testing methods to evaluate Alzheimer’s biomarkers. Given the alarming statistics of Alzheimer’s diagnoses in South Carolina, this initiative is crucial for improving early detection and patient care. The state’s recent funding for the South Carolina Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center aims to further bolster collaborative efforts in combating this growing health crisis.

Charleston, South Carolina – Medical University Launches Alzheimer’s Research with New Technology

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) has taken a significant step in combating Alzheimer’s disease by installing two Quanterix HD-X machines designed for advanced testing and research. Installed on April 29, 2025, these machines aim to enhance the diagnosis and understanding of Alzheimer’s, a serious health issue affecting many individuals in South Carolina.

In South Carolina, around 112,500 individuals aged 65 and older are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, representing 11.5% of that age group. The state is ranked eighth nationally for death rates attributed to Alzheimer’s disease, underscoring the urgency surrounding this health crisis. The introduction of the Quanterix HD-X machines at MUSC is part of a broader attempt to address the growing burden of dementia-related illnesses through innovative research and testing.

Focus on Diagnostic Innovation

Of the two machines, one will be dedicated to clinical diagnostic purposes while the other will facilitate research. Current initiatives include evaluating biomarkers linked to Alzheimer’s through analysis of blood samples. A specific blood test, which measures amyloid beta, has shown promising results with 88-92% accuracy among patients experiencing memory issues, in contrast to conventional evaluation methods.

Healthcare providers will soon gain access to these blood tests via networks such as the South Carolina Alzheimer’s Network (SCAN) and the University of South Carolina’s Brain Health Network. These tests are anticipated to be a game changer since they offer a simpler, less invasive diagnostic option compared to traditional approaches that often involve spinal taps or costly imaging scans.

Research Center Collaboration and Funding

The establishment of the South Carolina Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center represents a significant collaborative effort involving MUSC, Clemson University, and the University of South Carolina. This center is set to play a crucial role in advancing Alzheimer’s research within the state, particularly as the South Carolina Legislature has allocated $10 million in funding to support its establishment and growth. The center aims to gain federal designation as an official Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, which would further enhance its capabilities in conducting impactful research.

Addressing the Need for Early Detection

Researchers at MUSC are advocating for earlier detection of Alzheimer’s to provide patients with treatment options before extensive cognitive decline occurs. The Alzheimer’s Association is also expected to release clinical practice guidelines concerning the use of blood tests later in 2025. It is important to note, however, that at present, the association does not recommend these blood tests for screening asymptomatic individuals, although advancements in technology may lead to a shift in this stance in the future.

Overcoming Challenges in Neurological Care

Dr. Steve Carroll and Dr. Dariusz Pytel are pivotal to the utilization of the Quanterix HD-X machines for Alzheimer’s research and clinical application at MUSC. They underline the importance of developing a comprehensive support system for Alzheimer’s patients throughout South Carolina, particularly in rural areas, to enhance access to care.

A longstanding challenge within the state is the critical shortage of neurologists, which characterizes South Carolina as a “neurology desert.” This shortage complicates the diagnosis and ongoing care for many patients suffering from Alzheimer’s and other neurological conditions, reinforcing the need for efforts like those being made at MUSC.

Conclusion

The deployment of the Quanterix HD-X machines at MUSC marks an important milestone in Alzheimer’s research and diagnostics in South Carolina. Through innovative testing methods and collaborative endeavors, researchers aim to ameliorate the increasing burden of Alzheimer’s disease in the region and provide timely care to affected individuals.

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Alzheimer’s Disease Blood Test at MUSC
• Wikipedia: Alzheimer’s Disease
• Live 5 News: National Institute of Brain Health
• Google Search: Alzheimer’s Disease Research
• Post and Courier: National Center for Brain Health
• Google Scholar: Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis
• CBS News: Detecting Alzheimer’s Before Symptoms
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Alzheimer’s Disease
• Post and Courier: Drug Study to Combat Dementia
• Google News: Alzheimer’s Disease

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