UK Launches Blood Test Trial to Revolutionize Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis

Researchers in the United Kingdom have announced a significant step forward in the early detection of Alzheimer's disease with the initiation of a clinical trial for a new blood test. Conducted by scientists at University College London (UCL), this trial aims to evaluate whether the blood test can enhance diagnostic accuracy from approximately 70% to over 90%, offering a promising tool for earlier intervention.

The trial will involve around 1,100 participants recruited from approximately 20 memory clinics across the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). The primary focus is to test the blood assay's effectiveness in real-world clinical settings and determine its potential to be integrated into routine diagnostic procedures.

Alzheimer's disease, the leading cause of dementia, is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid and tau proteins in the brain. The new blood test measures the protein p-tau217, a biomarker that correlates with the presence of these pathological proteins. While previous studies have confirmed the test’s ability to detect p-tau217, this trial will investigate whether it can be reliably used at the early stages of memory decline to facilitate prompt and accurate diagnosis.

Experts believe that blood-based biomarkers like plasma p-tau217 can match the diagnostic precision of current methods such as PET scans and lumbar punctures, which are more invasive and costly. The trial is part of the broader Blood Biomarker Challenge, a multimillion-pound research initiative supported by UK Alzheimer's charities, dedicated to advancing blood testing in dementia diagnosis.

Professor Jonathan Schott of UCL’s Dementia Research Center, who is co-leading the trial, expressed optimism that this research could transform current diagnostic practices. He emphasized that early detection is crucial, especially with emerging treatments aimed at slowing disease progression. "Timely diagnosis will be essential to ensure that new therapies reach those who need them most," he stated.

This advancement in blood testing signifies a potential paradigm shift in how Alzheimer's is diagnosed, promising faster, less invasive, and more accurate detection methods that could dramatically improve patient outcomes in the future.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-uk-aims-alzheimer-diagnosis-blood.html