Bill Gates will join a coalition of philanthropists who are donating $30 million to create a venture fund, Diagnostics Accelerator, to jumpstart research on a "reliable, affordable, and accessible" diagnostic test for Alzheimer's, according to CNN.
Currently, people are cognitively tested for Alzheimer's only when symptoms have progressed to a point where the disease overtakes many aspects of daily life. Research shows Alzheimer's can begin way before the first outward signs.
"We need a better way of diagnosing Alzheimer's — like a simple blood test or eye exam — before we're able to slow the progression of the disease," Mr. Gates said. "Imagine a world where diagnosing Alzheimer's disease is as simple as getting your blood tested during your annual physical."
The venture fund will support cutting-edge research on a diagnostic test.
The fund also is backed by Estee Lauder cosmetic billionaires Leonard and Ronald Lauder; the Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation; and Dolby Family Ventures, among others.