UK trial launches blood test to improve dementia diagnosis at scale
A major UK study has begun to evaluate whether a panel of blood tests can diagnose dementia earlier and with greater accuracy among diverse patient groups. The project is spearheaded by the University of Bristol and North Bristol NHS Trust.
The initiative forms part of the nationwide Blood Biomarker Challenge, supported by leading dementia charities and the People’s Postcode Lottery. Researchers are including participants from minority ethnic communities, older adults, and individuals with additional health conditions to validate how blood-based methods could modernize dementia detection in the NHS.
Led by the READ-OUT (REAl World Dementia OUTcomes) team at the Dementias Platform UK (DPUK), the study seeks to close diagnostic gaps, promote earlier intervention, and improve outcomes for those living with dementia.
“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, University of Bristol
Author’s Summary
The UK is testing new blood-based tools that could make dementia diagnosis faster and more precise, potentially changing how NHS clinicians manage early Alzheimer’s and related conditions.