In a statement, INESC TEC explains that researchers from the technological-based company ‘iLoF’ have created a “portable system” that serves as a file for “fingerprints” of various neurodegenerative diseases and allows “rapid and non-invasive tests” in diseases such as Parkinson’s or brain tumours.


“The technology developed resulted from joint work between two INESC TEC centres, the Biomedical Engineering Research Centre - with competences in the field of signal processing and artificial intelligence - and the Applied Photonics Centre - with competences in the fields of optics and photonics in the development of micro scale manipulation technology”.


The researchers, who were awarded their Wild Card solution - an acceleration programme that supports projects in response to main health challenges - by EIT Health [the largest health consortium], will “now join forces in the fight” against Alzheimer’s disease.


Joana Paiva, one of the founders of iLoF says that the goal is now to “change the paradigm” of today, using methods such as artificial intelligence and photonics to “accelerate the development of new and personalised treatments” for Alzheimer’s disease.


“Every three seconds someone in the world develops Alzheimer’s. Although there are 50 million people worldwide with Alzheimer’s, there has been no new treatment approved in the last 14 years and more than 400 clinical studies have failed. Another recognised fact is that the number of Alzheimer’s patients is expected to triple by 2050”.