Mahajan Imaging & Labs introduces Alzheimer’s Diagnostics with AI-integrated blood biomarker testing

Mahajan Imaging & Labs has expanded its Alzheimer’s diagnostic capabilities with the introduction of an AI-integrated blood biomarker test, supported by a structured PET and MRI imaging pathway, offered under its Dementia Diagnostic Series, which includes Alzheimer’s blood biomarker testing using the pTAU217/βAmyloid1-42 ratio along with cognitive health and genetic risk panels, AI-enabled MRI brain imaging with dementia protocol, and FDG PET imaging where clinically indicated.

The new pTAU/Aβ1-42 blood biomarker test, which is USFDA- and CDSCO-approved, enables the detection of Alzheimer’s-related biological changes well before severe cognitive symptoms become evident, supporting a shift from symptom-led assessment to a biology-first diagnosis in Indian clinical practice.

The expanded diagnostic approach was formally introduced and discussed during a scientific symposium hosted by Mahajan Imaging & Labs in Gurugram on Sunday, January 18, 2025. Titled “Integrating Next-Generation Alzheimer’s Blood Biomarkers with PET Brain Imaging: A New Paradigm in Early and Accurate Diagnosis,” the symposium brought together over 40 leading neurologists and imaging experts to examine how combined laboratory and imaging diagnostics are reshaping Alzheimer’s care globally and in India. 

The session was joined by Padma Shri Dr (Prof.) V.S. Mehta, Chairman Emeritus-Neurosciences, Paras Health, as the Guest of Honor, moderated by Dr Sumit Singh, Chief of Neurology, Artemis Hospital. Further insights were shared by Padma Shri Dr M.V. Padma, Chairperson-Neurology, Paras Health, Gurugram, and Dr Parveen Gupta, Chairman, Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro & Spine (MAIINS), Gurugram, while Dr Ritu Verma, Director-PET CT & Nuclear Medicine, Mahajan Imaging & Labs, highlighted key clinical perspectives on integrating imaging with advanced biomarker testing.

Recent estimates indicate that over 8.8 million Indians aged 60 and above are living with dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease accounting for the majority of cases. This number is projected to nearly double over the next decade, highlighting the growing need for early and accurate diagnostic tools that support timely intervention and care planning. Acknowledging this urgency, (Prof.) V.S. Mehta emphasised the importance of early detection, stating, “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 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 M.V. Padma said, “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, which meant a more invasive procedure for patients. Today, with plasma-based testing, we can obtain the same critical information through a simple blood test. This makes diagnosis easier, safer, and far more acceptable for patients. Mahajan Imaging & Labs now performs the pTAU/Aβ1-42 blood biomarker test in its Reference Laboratory, enabling faster reporting, closer clinical integration with imaging findings, and improved affordability for both patients and clinicians. 

Dr Shelly Mahajan, Lab Director, 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. Commenting on the Alzheimer’s diagnostics scenario in India, Dr Harsh Mahajan, Padma Shri Awardee, Founder & Chairman of Mahajan Imaging & Labs, said, “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.”

Commenting on the development, Dr Verma explained, “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.”

Explaining the diagnostic approach, Dr Verma said, “Under this integrated 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.”