UK trial tests blood test for early Alzheimer's detection
Researchers in the UK are testing a simple blood test that could spot Alzheimer's disease much earlier and more easily than current methods.
The ADAPT trial, led by University College London, is bringing together 1,100 people from 20 specialist NHS centers to see if this new approach can speed up diagnosis and help doctors plan better care.
Participants split into 2 groups
Participants will be split into two groups—one gets their blood test results in three months, the other waits a year.
The goal is to find out if getting results sooner actually improves diagnosis and life quality.
Right now, only about 2% of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's have access to gold-standard diagnostic tests like PET scans or lumbar punctures, which are expensive and uncomfortable.
If successful, the test will be available on NHS by 2029
If this blood test proves reliable, it could make Alzheimer's checks quicker, cheaper, and way less stressful for everyone.
Funded by charities like Alzheimer's Society and set to possibly roll out on the NHS by 2029, this could be a big step toward making brain health care more accessible for all.