A groundbreaking blood test aimed at diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease earlier and more accurately is currently undergoing trials in the United Kingdom. This innovative test, which measures the protein p-tau217, is being evaluated to determine its efficacy in clinical settings within the National Health Service (NHS). Participants with suspected dementia are being recruited through various memory clinics across the UK, with results expected within three years.
The trial is part of the Blood Biomarker Challenge, a multimillion-pound initiative supported by organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer’s Research UK, and the People’s Postcode Lottery. A research team led by University College London (UCL) is investigating whether this blood test can enhance the early and accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Previous studies have demonstrated the test’s effectiveness in detecting p-tau217, but researchers aim to establish whether administering it during initial assessments for memory and cognitive issues can improve diagnostic outcomes.
Trial Details and Goals
The study plans to recruit approximately 1,100 participants from diverse geographic, ethnic, and economic backgrounds. This inclusivity is essential to ensure the findings are relevant across a broad population, including individuals with various health conditions. Alzheimer’s disease, the leading cause of dementia, is associated with the accumulation of two proteins in the brain: amyloid and tau. The p-tau217 protein is viewed as a promising biomarker that indicates the presence of both proteins.
Experts believe that blood tests like the plasma p-tau217 can detect these proteins with comparable accuracy to more invasive methods, such as positron emission tomography (PET) scans and lumbar punctures. If validated for use in NHS practice, these blood tests could play a critical role in confirming Alzheimer’s diagnoses for patients already exhibiting memory or cognitive difficulties.
The Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis and Plasma pTau217 (Adapt) team, led by Professor Jonathan Schott and Dr Ashvini Keshavan, has commenced recruitment through the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust. Nineteen additional UK centres are expected to join the trial. Participants will be divided into two groups: one half will receive their blood test results within three months of their first assessment, while the other half will wait twelve months. This structure aims to determine whether quicker results can expedite diagnosis, inform subsequent investigations, and influence patient and clinician responses to the findings.
Potential Impact on Patients
The trial will also evaluate how blood test results affect participants’ quality of life. Professor Schott, who serves as the chief medical officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, expressed enthusiasm for the trial’s potential. He stated, “We are thrilled to welcome participants onto the Adapt trial – a critical part of the Blood Biomarker Challenge – which we hope will take us a step forward in revolutionising the way we diagnose dementia.”
He added that after years of research, a blood test for Alzheimer’s disease has emerged, backed by substantial scientific evidence. This test provides information comparable to traditional diagnostic methods while being more accessible and cost-effective. Currently, only about 2% of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s have access to these gold-standard tests. Early and accurate diagnosis is vital for enabling access to existing therapies and planning care, especially as new treatments capable of slowing cognitive decline become available.
Professor Fiona Carragher, chief policy and research officer at the Alzheimer’s Society, highlighted the urgency of improving the diagnostic process. She referenced a recent Lived Experience Survey, which revealed that only one-third of dementia patients felt their diagnosis process was positive. Many expressed fear about receiving a diagnosis, leading to delays in access to support, treatment, and planning.
In January, another research initiative from the University of Oxford and University of Cambridge, also part of the Blood Biomarker Challenge, commenced testing a different array of blood tests on dementia patients. This team is evaluating multiple new and existing tests across various types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies.
As the trial progresses, the hope remains that a simple blood test could transform how Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed, ultimately improving outcomes for patients and their families.