UK Trial Launches Blood Test to Improve Dementia Diagnosis
A large-scale UK study is underway to evaluate how blood tests can help detect dementia earlier and more accurately across diverse communities. The project is being conducted by the University of Bristol and the North Bristol NHS Trust.
The research, part of the national Blood Biomarker Challenge, is supported by major dementia organizations and the People’s Postcode Lottery. It aims to include participants from minority backgrounds, older populations, and those with additional health conditions to ensure real-world applicability of the results.
Goal and Leadership
The initiative is led by the READ-OUT (REAl World Dementia OUTcomes) research team within the Dementias Platform UK (DPUK). Its goal is to bridge diagnostic gaps, enhance early detection, and improve the quality of life for individuals living with dementia.
Expert Perspective
“We’re in an incredibly exciting time for dementia research right now, with new drugs that can slow early Alzheimer’s disease. Although these are not yet approved for use in the NHS, we urgently need to revolutionise the way we diagnose people in this country.”
— Elizabeth Coulthard, Professor of Cognitive Neurology at the University of Bristol and Consultant Neurologist at North Bristol NHS Trust
Author’s Summary
This UK-led trial explores how a multi-biomarker blood test could make dementia diagnosis faster, more accurate, and more inclusive across different population groups.