A new clinical trial in the UK is now focusing on diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease through blood test.
Researchers are testing a simple blood test that detects p-tau217, a protein whose levels detect the presence of amyloid and tau - two key indicators of Alzheimer’s pathology. This test promises accuracy comparable to PET scans and lumbar punctures, yet it’s far more accessible, less invasive and costs roughly £100.
The Trial: ADAPT:
The trial is called ADAPT Trial and it’s recruiting around 1,100 patients from memory clinics across the UK. Half will receive their blood test results within 3 months, while the rest will receive them after 12 months. The goal is to assess whether earlier diagnostic results assist with treatment planning, improve patient outcomes and streamline care delivery.
Potential with Early Diagnosis:
-
Early Diagnosis Is Key: Emerging Alzheimer’s drugs, like lecanemab and donanemab, are most effective when used before significant brain damage occurs.
-
Wider Access: Currently only about 2% of patients receive PET scans or lumbar punctures due to their cost and limited availability.
-
Healthcare Equity: The trial emphasizes inclusion by recruiting participants from diverse ethnic, economic and geographic backgrounds.
If successful, this test could be submitted to NICE for adoption across the NHS, potentially transforming dementia care from reactive to proactive and accessible to many more who need it.
What do you think? Could a simple blood test like this reshape how dementia is managed, especially in resource-limited contexts? If proven effective, should it become standard practice for early memory assessments?
MBH/PS