What to know about the new dementia blood test trial

Emma Clarke
·Contributor
·3-min read
Detail of blood collection tube
A new clinical trial has started to see whether blood tests can accurately diagnose dementia. (Getty Images)

Although there are more than 944,000 people in the UK who have dementia and more than 55 million living with the disease globally, there is currently no cure for the memory-loss condition.

Even more astonishingly, just 2% of people with Alzheimer’s disease in the UK have a proper diagnosis through the NHS, due to a lack of PET (positron emission tomography) brain scanners.

However, a new blood test is offering fresh hope when it comes to early diagnosis.

Existing blood tests, which have been extensively tested in research studies, have been found to accurately diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, but in order to roll out the blood-based biomarkers in the NHS, further tests are needed on a more diverse patient group in the UK.

The test itself works by detecting two proteins in the blood: amyloid and tau – a build up of which are commonly found in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s. In an attempt to flush out these proteins, our bodies naturally try to clear them from the brain, meaning they can end up in the spinal fluid and eventually the blood.

Doctor explaining results of MRI scan of brain to senior patient. Diagnosis of diseases for elderly people. Examination of brain, detecting stroke, dementia, head injures or neurological disorders.
Current diagnostic tests are limited in the UK. (Getty Images)

This week, more than 3,000 people will take part in the clinical trial led by two teams of specialists, who are working in collaboration with Alzheimer’s Research UK and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Known as the Blood Biomarker Challenge, the trial has secured a £5 million grant in the hopes that more people with the disease will be diagnosed earlier on.

As well as this potentially breakthrough diagnostic tool, there have also been advancements in treatments for early Alcheimer’s disease – including two new drugs, lecanemab and donanemab.

So, the importance of early diagnosis is especially key. It will also mean that those who need these drugs will hopefully get earlier access to them.

Close-up of caregiver holding senior client hand. Support from nurse to patient, taking care of elderly man in hospital. Emotional support and care in healthcare, hospice care.
Earlier diagnosis can also help people prepare care and support. (Getty Images)

Early diagnosis also means that those affected have more time to prepare, in terms of care and support. They also, should they wish, can participate in other clinical trials to help find more treatments and solutions.

Speaking of the study, Professor Vanessa Raymond, a senior clinical researcher leading the study at the University of Oxford, told Sky News: "There is a whole load of drugs under development that are likely to be licensed and potentially available on the NHS over the next few years.

"It will be nothing short of disastrous if people are unable to get a diagnosis early enough to benefit from the new drugs once they do become available.

"Blood biomarker tests could be the answer."

Right now, diagnostic tests include brain scans and lumbar punctures, which are often time-consuming, uncomfortable and not widely available across the country.

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