UK Trial Launches Blood Test to Improve Dementia Diagnosis
A new nationwide trial in the UK, led by the University of Bristol and North Bristol NHS Trust, is testing a set of blood-based biomarkers to enable faster and more accurate dementia diagnosis across different population groups.
This landmark study, part of the wider Blood Biomarker Challenge funded by major dementia charities and the People’s Postcode Lottery, seeks to determine if these blood tests can reliably identify dementia earlier within real-world NHS settings.
The project, carried out by the READ-OUT (REAl World Dementia OUTcomes) research team at the Dementias Platform UK (DPUK), aims to improve early detection and care for people living with dementia by addressing diagnostic gaps across diverse communities.
“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 Points
- Trial focuses on blood-based dementia diagnostics.
- Led by the University of Bristol and North Bristol NHS Trust.
- Part of the national Blood Biomarker Challenge initiative.
- Seeks to include diverse populations and health backgrounds.
Author Summary
This UK-led study tests innovative blood diagnostics to enhance early dementia detection, aiming to make future NHS care faster and more inclusive.