Abstract

Using iPS Cells for Drug Screening and Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

Chris Ward, Senior Lecturer, University of Manchester

The large number of patients with dementia, combined with the predicted increase in such numbers, represents a significant opportunity for businesses that can deliver better diagnosis, treatment regimens and stratification of care pathways. Existing methods for dementia diagnosis consist of a physical examination, family history, a memory questionnaire and brain scans, representing significant cost to healthcare providers. Despite this integrated and expensive approach, less than 50% of patients receive a diagnosis of AD and, of these patients, at least 25% are believed to be misdiagnosed. I will discuss the potential use of iPS cells in drug screening and in vitro diagnostics.