Search Here

A blood test capable of detecting Alzheimer's disease up to 15 years before the onset of symptoms is set to be available for free through the NHS within a year.

This test, which identifies levels of the protein p-tau217 in the blood, promises to be cheaper, simpler, and at least as accurate as existing diagnostic methods, according to The Sun.

The University College London's Dementia Research Institute, leading this initiative, is on track to analyze up to 100,000 tests annually. UCL researchers are in the midst of a formal validation process, with expectations of completion by June next year, potentially sooner.

Dr. Ashvini Keshavan, a senior clinical research fellow at UCL, expressed confidence that the blood tests could be integrated into clinical schedules within 12 months. She stated, "Blood tests will be up and running in our clinical schedule within 12 months - of that I'm fairly confident."

The presence of p-tau217 in the bloodstream is an early indicator of Alzheimer's, appearing long before symptoms like forgetfulness and cognitive decline emerge. This early detection capability could significantly enhance the effectiveness of dementia treatments, which are more beneficial when administered early.

Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia, affects roughly 900,000 people in the U.K.-a number expected to exceed a million by 2030. Early diagnosis remains a critical challenge, with many cases currently undiagnosed due to the complexity and slowness of traditional diagnostic methods like brain scans and spinal fluid samples.

The introduction of the blood test aims to address this gap, offering a cost-effective and rapid alternative. Costs for the test are estimated to be between £20 and £100, and plans are in place to facilitate home sample collection with blood test cards.

This innovation aligns with efforts to enhance dementia care in the U.K., where dementia is the leading cause of death. With early diagnosis, patients could benefit from timely treatments, potentially slowing disease progression and improving quality of life.

The NHS, in collaboration with UCL, anticipates rolling out this test widely, marking a significant advancement in the fight against dementia and providing hope for earlier and more accessible Alzheimer's disease diagnosis.