Egyptian Researcher in Europe Develops Breakthrough Early-Diagnosis Tests for Alzheimer’s Within an EU-Funded Program in Amsterdam
Egyptian doctoral researcher Sherif Bayoumi has achieved a major scientific breakthrough in Europe by developing a new generation of ultra-sensitive diagnostic tests that significantly advance early detection of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s. Conducted within the framework of an EU-funded program at Amsterdam University Medical Center, his research offers promising tools that could transform brain-health diagnostics worldwide.
Bayoumi’s work focused on designing and validating high-precision assays capable of measuring disease-associated proteins in blood and cerebrospinal fluid with exceptional accuracy. His developments include cutting-edge quantification technologies and a simple, low-cost test capable of detecting minute concentrations of brain-related proteins. The goal, he said, is to make advanced neurological diagnostics more affordable, less invasive, and broadly accessible, particularly to clinics and hospitals lacking high-end laboratory infrastructure.
The research was carried out in the Neurochemistry Laboratory of the Amsterdam University Medical Center at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam under the supervision of internationally renowned neuroscientist Prof. Charlotte Teunissen, head of the Amsterdam Alzheimer Center and a leading figure in multiple global research networks. Bayoumi defended his PhD dissertation, titled Bridging the Gaps in the Use of Biomarkers for Neurological Diseases: From Assay Development to Clinical Implementation, on 17 November 2025.
His PhD project was part of the MIRIADE program (Multidisciplinary Research Integration for Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis), an EU-funded initiative that trains 15 early-stage researchers in partnership with major pharmaceutical companies, diagnostic firms, and leading academic institutions worldwide. Bayoumi’s work not only advances scientific knowledge but also reflects the MIRIADE mission to develop future research leaders capable of turning complex scientific discoveries into real clinical benefits.
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia globally, is a progressive brain disorder affecting millions. One of Bayoumi’s key achievements is the development of a rapid blood test that measures the concentration of a specific protein whose elevation is strongly linked to several neurological disorders. The test demonstrated strong sensitivity and produced results closely aligned with those obtained from sophisticated laboratory platforms, opening the door to its use in regular clinics and hospitals and bringing advanced brain-health monitoring closer to at-risk populations.
Bayoumi also developed new assays targeting a protein associated with early disruption of neural connections in Alzheimer’s patients. Furthermore, he led comparative studies of what are now considered the strongest biomarker candidates for Alzheimer’s disease, helping validate their accuracy, establish reference diagnostic ranges, and identify factors that may affect test performance, including kidney function and variations in the blood–brain barrier. His work also contributed to the European Medicines Agency’s efforts to identify neurological biomarkers in children—research expected to accelerate treatment development for young patients with neurological disorders. Collectively, these advances push Alzheimer’s blood tests closer to routine clinical adoption.
The results emphasize the crucial need for standardized diagnostic criteria to ensure consistent performance across patient groups and laboratory settings. “These findings are particularly exciting because they provide practical tools that support earlier and more accurate diagnosis,” Bayoumi noted, adding that early detection through simple blood tests could enable timely medical intervention, slow disease progression, and improve patients’ quality of life.
Experts expect these advances to have profound impact in developing countries, where portable, low-cost blood tests could help physicians detect Alzheimer’s and other neurological disorders earlier, ease the burden on overstretched healthcare systems, and ensure access to advanced diagnostics for underserved communities.
The Amsterdam Alzheimer Center is recognized as one of the world’s leading institutions in this field, with a specialized focus on identifying early markers of dementia and understanding its underlying mechanisms—an essential step in achieving effective diagnosis and treatment. According to Egyptian medical experts, Alzheimer’s is responsible for 60% of dementia cases in Egypt, with the Ministry of Health estimating around 400,000 cases nationwide. This number is expected to reach between 800,000 and one million by 2030. Globally, some 55 million people live with dementia, 60–70% of whom have Alzheimer’s. Statistics further indicate that 71% of dementia patients live in low- and middle-income countries, highlighting the need for early-screening campaigns, psychological support, and community care for patients and families.
Leading nutrition experts also advise adopting brain-supportive diets that may reduce the risk of cognitive decline. According to a report by The Times of India, foods beneficial for brain health include blueberries; fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines—rich in Omega-3 fatty acids; dark leafy greens; nuts; turmeric; tomatoes; green tea; and eggs.
Bayoumi is a graduate of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, and holds a master’s degree from the University of Turku in Finland. His earlier research also focused on developing a rapid, low-cost test for detecting hepatitis C antibodies in blood using advanced nanoparticles—a test that showed high accuracy and potential for widespread use in early detection, especially in developing countries.