Mahajan Imaging & Labs, one of India’s leading diagnostic chains, has unveiled a cutting-edge AI-integrated blood biomarker test for Alzheimer’s, marking a major step forward in early detection of the disease. 

 

The test, part of the company’s new Dementia Diagnostic Series, combines pTAU217/βAmyloid1-42 blood biomarker testing with cognitive, genetic, and imaging assessments, including AI-enabled MRI and FDG PET scans where clinically indicated.

 

The USFDA- and CDSCO-approved blood test identifies Alzheimer’s-related biological changes long before severe cognitive symptoms appear, shifting the focus from symptom-led assessment to a biology-first diagnosis in India.

 

The launch was formally introduced at a scientific symposium hosted by Mahajan Imaging & Labs in Gurugram on January 18. Titled “Integrating Next-Generation Alzheimer’s Blood Biomarkers with PET Brain Imaging: A New Paradigm in Early and Accurate Diagnosis,” the event gathered over 40 leading neurologists and imaging experts to discuss how combined laboratory and imaging diagnostics are reshaping Alzheimer’s care globally and in India.

 

Padma Shri Dr VS Mehta, Chairman Emeritus – Neurosciences, Paras Health, served as Guest of Honor, with Dr Sumit Singh, Chief of Neurology, Artemis Hospital, moderating. Insights were also shared by Padma Shri Dr MV Padma, Chairperson – Neurology, Paras Health, Gurugram; Dr Parveen Gupta, Chairman, Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro & Spine (MAIINS), Gurugram; and Dr Ritu Verma, Director – PET CT & Nuclear Medicine, Mahajan Imaging & Labs.

 

Over 8.8 million Indians aged 60 and above currently live with dementia, with Alzheimer’s accounting for most cases—a number projected to nearly double in the next decade. 

 

Highlighting the urgency, Prof VS Mehta said, “Early and accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective Alzheimer’s care. The integration of AI-driven blood biomarkers with advanced PET and MRI imaging represents a transformative step for Indian neurology, allowing clinicians not only to identify the disease before symptoms become debilitating, but also to monitor disease progression.”

 

Dr Sumit Singh added, “Alzheimer’s disease is becoming a major public health challenge in India, especially as our population ages. With the arrival of newer disease-modifying treatments, early and accurate diagnosis is now central to effective care.” 

 

Dr MV Padma emphasized, “By integrating blood-based biomarkers with MRI and PET-CT imaging, this package supports timely detection, appropriate referral, and better planning of care. It strengthens our healthcare system’s ability to respond proactively and reduces the long-term burden on families and society.”

 

Until recently, Alzheimer’s biomarker testing relied on cerebrospinal fluid samples, a more invasive procedure. The new plasma-based test provides the same critical insights via a simple blood draw, making diagnosis easier, safer, and more patient-friendly. 

 

Dr Shelly Mahajan, Lab Director at Mahajan Imaging & Labs, said, “Alzheimer’s diagnosis has traditionally relied on the appearance of clinical symptoms, often delaying meaningful intervention. Blood-based biomarkers allow clinicians to identify Alzheimer’s pathology at a much earlier stage, when patients and families still have the opportunity to plan, intervene, and make informed care decisions. Bringing this testing and analysis to India removes a major access barrier and aligns Indian diagnostics with evolving global standards.”

 

Globally, Alzheimer’s diagnosis increasingly depends on amyloid PET imaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing, which remain expensive and limited in India. 

 

Dr Harsh Mahajan, Founder & Chairman of Mahajan Imaging & Labs, noted, “In India, limited availability and high costs, as much as Rupees two lakhs per scan, have restricted widespread access to amyloid PET, leaving many clinicians dependent on symptom-based assessments. 

 

"A key differentiator of Mahajan Imaging & Labs’ approach is the integration of laboratory diagnostics with imaging. The combination of blood biomarkers with 18F FDG can be a game-changer not only in early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, but also in follow-up of patients on the new treatments to assess for treatment response. 

 

"The conclusions of this symposium shall be sent to the Neurological Society of India to help in formulating guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s in India. This may even have implications on the approach to early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s in other parts of the world.”

 

Dr Ritu Verma explained the clinical rationale: “While the blood biomarker serves as a strong primary diagnostic indicator, MRI brain imaging plays a crucial role in assessing structural changes in memory-related regions and excluding other causes of cognitive symptoms, such as stroke, tumours, or pressure-related abnormalities. PET imaging is used in cases where it adds clear clinical value and supports diagnostic clarity.”

 

She further outlined the integrated pathway: “Under this diagnostic pathway, patients begin with the pTAU/Aβ1-42 blood biomarker test as the primary decision-making tool, with positive or borderline results followed by MRI brain and FDG PET CT when necessary, along with an integrated clinical interpretation to guide next steps in care. 

 

"This framework is particularly relevant for individuals over 50 with memory concerns, patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), those with a strong family history of Alzheimer’s disease, and cases where access to advanced imaging may be limited.”

 

With this expansion, Mahajan Imaging & Labs strengthens its leadership in precision diagnostics, offering clinicians earlier, clearer, and more actionable Alzheimer’s insights—at a stage when timely intervention can make a meaningful difference for patients and families.