UK trial launches blood test to improve dementia diagnosis at scale
A large-scale UK study has begun to evaluate a new panel of blood tests that could detect dementia earlier and more accurately among diverse populations. The trial, led by the University of Bristol and North Bristol NHS Trust, investigates the potential of blood-based diagnostics to enhance real-world dementia care.
This research forms part of the nationwide Blood Biomarker Challenge, supported by leading dementia charities and the People’s Postcode Lottery. It seeks to include participants from various ethnic backgrounds, older age groups, and those with additional health conditions to ensure comprehensive results.
Improving early detection and patient outcomes
The project, guided by the READ-OUT (Real World Dementia Outcomes) research team at the Dementias Platform UK (DPUK), focuses on addressing diagnostic challenges and improving early intervention for dementia patients within the NHS.
“We’re in an incredibly exciting time for dementia research right now, with new drugs that can slow early Alzheimer’s disease. Although these are not yet approved for use in the NHS, we urgently need to revolutionise the way we diagnose people in this country.”
— Elizabeth Coulthard, Professor of Cognitive Neurology at the University of Bristol and Consultant Neurologist at North Bristol NHS Trust.
Key goals of the study
- Validate the accuracy of blood test panels for diagnosing dementia.
- Incorporate data from underrepresented and higher-risk groups.
- Enhance early detection and treatment prospects for dementia within NHS systems.
Author’s summary: A UK-wide research initiative is testing blood biomarkers to enable faster, fairer, and more accurate dementia diagnoses and prepare the NHS for future Alzheimer’s therapies.