The centre is a collaboration between not-for-profit medical research institute, Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) and Swiss healthcare giant Roche. The test works by detecting the two proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease – amyloid and tau – which begin to accumulate in the brain decades before a person develops symptoms. Previously, the main diagnosis methods were either by lumbar puncture or an expensive, and not widely available, type of brain scan. For those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, the simple and non-invasive new blood test offers an opportunity to plan for what’s ahead and if they choose, commence preventative therapies. “Earlier is definitely better for people who have symptoms,” Associate Professor Emma Devenney, a NeuRA neurologist, said.