Alzheimer’s Disease: Surrey teenager wins innovation award at Google Science Fair

A 15-year-old schoolboy from Epsom has stunned health experts by developing his hobby into award-winning research that could lead to early detection of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Teenager Krtin Nithiyanandam undertook a research project while he was off school after fracturing a hip, and has gone on to develop an antibody that can attach to neurotoxic proteins that are present in the first stage of the disease.

Scientists say it could lead to a technique that diagnoses Alzheimer’s Disease up to 10 years before symptoms appear.

The GCSE pupil, who studies at Sutton Grammar School, has won the Scientific American Innovator Award at the Google Science Fair and is now looking for funding to take his drug to the clinical trial stage.

He hopes to go on to read Medicine at either Cambridge or Harvard.

Krtin said: “I presented my research at international conference and people there agreed the results are valid – it’s not just a one-off fluke.

“People don’t expect someone my age to be doing this, but I find it interesting. Apart from the science research I live a normal life; I play squash, play piano, normal stuff.

“I chose Alzheimer’s disease because I am fascinated by neuroscience and the workings of the brain.

“Alzheimer’s disease kills more people each year than breast and prostate cancer combined and Alzheimer’s is also considered to be one of the greatest medical challenges of the 21st century.

“I learnt about its cruel and devastating effects and how it interferes with everyday life, and nobody should have to live with this debilitating disease.

“I have personally seen what a difference it can make to people’s lives and I want to make a difference to the lives of others.”

To donate to Krtin’s trial go to indiegogo.com/projects/earlier-diagnosisof-alzheimer-s-disease#/

Find out more about Right at Home’s Dementia Delay Programme.