Selangor, 1 August 2024 – In a landmark development for Malaysia’s healthcare sector, Hunan Qankorey Biotechnology (Qankorey), in collaboration with Clotech Sdn. Bhd. (Clotech), has partnered with Hospital Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (HSAAS) to spearhead clinical studies for the nation’s first One Step Dementia Risk Test Kit. This innovative tool promises to revolutionize early dementia detection, especially crucial for Malaysia’s aging population, where 8.5% to 11% of older adults are affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
The strategic partnership was formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), paving the way for groundbreaking research and the deployment of these test kits across Malaysia.
A Breakthrough in Medical Technology
The One Step Dementia Risk Test Kit, approved by Malaysia’s Medical Device Authority (MDA), uses cutting-edge technology to detect Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) fragments in urine, offering a non-invasive method to screen for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and early dementia. This innovation is set to make dementia diagnosis more accessible, affordable, and less invasive compared to current methods.
“Early detection of dementia allows at-risk individuals to access support services and resources sooner, make healthy lifestyle changes, and organize care more efficiently. This proactive approach can also lower healthcare costs, improve quality of life, and better manage the progression of dementia,” stated Associate Professor Dr. Liyana Najwa Binti Inche Mat, Head of the Department of Neurology at Universiti Putra Malaysia.
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Previously, dementia risk was assessed through costly and invasive procedures such as MRI, CT scans, lumbar punctures, and blood tests. The One Step Dementia Risk Test Kit offers a more practical solution, ideal for widespread screening without the need for specialized equipment or training.
Impact on Malaysia’s Healthcare Landscape
The introduction of this test kit is a significant milestone for Malaysia, addressing the growing concern of dementia among its aging population. According to the Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM), the number of individuals with dementia is expected to rise by 312% by 2050, potentially affecting over 630,000 people.
Clotech Director Ng Lyp Hau emphasized the transformative potential of this diagnostic tool: “The availability of a non-invasive, cost-effective diagnostic tool represents a major advancement in public health, offering the opportunity for widespread screening with the potential to improve early detection and patient outcomes on a national scale.”
HSAAS is set to conduct a clinical study involving 281 participants from Selangor health clinics, focusing on adults aged 65 and above without memory problems. This study aims to validate the test kit’s accuracy within the Malaysian demographic and explore the correlation between APP fragments and Alzheimer’s Disease risk factors.
Upon successful validation, HSAAS will publish their findings, potentially influencing future diagnostic practices and enhancing early dementia detection worldwide. The test kit is already making strides in other countries, including China, Australia, and various European nations, with early results supporting its efficacy. For more details, visit www.qankoreymalaysia.com.
