Scientists at Northern Arizona University (NAU) are developing a new test that could detect Alzheimer's disease earlier by monitoring how the brain uses glucose (sugar) in brain metabolism[1]. In it, they use the analysis of microvesicles — small particles circulating in the blood, some of which originate from neurons and carry cellular "cargo" that can be tested without invasive procedures[1]. This approach makes it possible to obtain brain-specific information similar to a "brain biopsy", but much less invasively[1]. The technique is based on new commercially available kits that isolate and test microvesicles from blood[1]. In a previous study, the team administered intranasal insulin and then collected blood from a region of the brain to find biomarkers associated with improved neuroplasticity; now they are trying to detect the same markers in microvesicles[1]. The project is led by Travis Gibbons and part of the funding comes from a grant from the Arizona Alzheimer's Association[1]. The research is still ongoing, and the authors say the process requires precision and patience, with the goal of improving the diagnosis and monitoring of Alzheimer's disease[1].