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A new initiative in the UK is set to offer over 1,000 individuals suspected of dementia a blood test for Alzheimer’s disease. This test aims to revolutionize the diagnosis process by detecting biomarkers for proteins that accumulate in the brains of those with the condition. The test will complement traditional cognitive assessments using pen and paper, which often lead to misdiagnoses in the early stages of the disease. Researchers from University College London are leading the trial and hope that the blood test will significantly improve diagnosis accuracy, potentially from 70% to over 90%.
The participants for this study will be recruited from 20 memory clinics across the country as part of a larger effort to evaluate the efficacy of the test within the NHS. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is linked to the build-up of rogue proteins, amyloid and tau, in the brain. The new blood test, which costs approximately £100, measures a biomarker called p-tau217 that reflects the presence of both proteins. Previously, confirming Alzheimer’s required specialized PET brain scans and lumbar punctures to extract cerebrospinal fluid, but these tests are not routinely conducted as part of the diagnostic process.
The Alzheimer’s Society has expressed support for this trial as a means to improve the experience of individuals diagnosed with dementia. Late diagnosis of dementia can hinder access to support, treatment, and future planning opportunities. The study, named Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis and Plasma p-tau217 (ADAPT) trial, has begun recruitment in Essex and plans to involve 19 additional NHS centers across the UK. Led by a team of researchers at University College London, the study is backed by Alzheimer’s Research UK, the Alzheimer’s Society, and funding from the People’s Postcode Lottery.
Jonathan Schott, a professor of neurology at University College London and chief medical officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, expressed enthusiasm for the ADAPT trial, stating that it plays a crucial role in advancing the way dementia is diagnosed. If successful, the blood test could become a standard component of Alzheimer’s diagnosis, especially as new drugs targeting early-stage disease are nearing the final stages of clinical trials. The impact of blood test results on quality of life will be monitored closely throughout the trial to assess the potential benefits of early diagnosis
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