Memory Clinics in the UK to Begin Trials of Blood Tests for Dementia Diagnosis

Memory clinics throughout the United Kingdom are set to embark on trials utilizing blood tests in an effort to accurately diagnose dementia. The aim is to provide greater access to care, support, and potential new drug treatments at earlier stages of the disease.

This collaborative research initiative, led by University College London and the University of Oxford, will involve approximately 5,000 volunteers over a span of five years. The project will scrutinize blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia variants.

Presently, a significant portion of dementia patients remains undiagnosed, causing distress and uncertainty. Only a small fraction undergoes the ‘gold standard’ tests—specialist PET brain scans or spinal lumbar punctures—due to their expense.

The Oxford team will explore a range of blood tests, aiming for a more cost-effective and accessible means of identifying early signs of the disease. One such test will seek traces of rogue proteins associated with Alzheimer’s in the blood, while others will target potential biomarkers for different forms of dementia.

Moreover, researchers will assess whether these blood tests can detect dementia at various stages. Dr. Vanessa Raymont of the University of Oxford emphasizes the importance of including diverse demographics in research to ensure applicability in real-world scenarios.

Concurrently, the University College London team will concentrate on p-tau217, a promising biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease, which could indicate levels of amyloid and tau in the brain. Their trial aims to determine if measuring p-tau217 in the blood can expedite Alzheimer’s diagnosis, particularly in individuals with early or progressive memory issues.

Professor Jonathan Schott of UCL underscores the significance of early and accurate diagnosis, especially in anticipation of potential new treatments that could slow disease progression. Two such treatments, lecanemab and donanemab, are currently under review for approval in the UK.

Dr. Sheona Scales, director of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, highlights the transformative potential of blood tests in improving the diagnostic process for dementia. The Blood Biomarker Challenge, funded by various organizations including Alzheimer’s Society and Gates Ventures, aims to advance dementia diagnosis and care in the UK.

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