THE INITIATIVE IS led by the READ-OUT (REAl World Dementia OUTcomes) research team at Dementias Platform UK (DPUK) and forms part of the wider Blood Biomarker Challenge, a multi-million-pound effort supported by Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer’s Research UK, People’s Postcode Lottery, National Institute for Health and Care Research, and Gates Ventures.
The study aims to evaluate whether a panel of blood tests can complement existing NHS memory clinic pathways, helping clinicians diagnose dementia earlier and more accurately. Researchers will assess multiple blood tests across different types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies. They will also investigate how results might differ for people of various ethnic backgrounds or those with other health conditions, such as kidney disease.
The first participants joined the study in Oxford in January 2025, marking the start of a nationwide effort to recruit over 3,100 participants across 33 DPUK sites, including NHS memory clinics and community buses. The study emphasizes inclusivity, aiming to reflect the diverse population of the UK.
Professor Vanessa Raymont, Associate Director of Dementias Platform UK and Senior Clinical Researcher at the University of Oxford, said:
“We’re at an incredibly exciting time for dementia research, with new drugs that can slow early Alzheimer’s disease. Early diagnosis is crucial to ensure people can access these treatments once approved. Blood biomarker tests could revolutionise how we diagnose dementia, and this study will show how well they work in real-world settings across North Wales and the UK.”
The research will provide essential evidence to integrate blood tests into routine NHS practice, potentially speeding up diagnosis and ensuring more people receive timely treatment and support.
Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, added:
“We are thrilled to see this pioneering blood test trial underway. Early diagnosis is key to improving outcomes for people living with dementia, and the funding raised by our players is helping to transform how the condition is detected and managed.”
For those concerned about dementia symptoms, the NHS advises contacting a GP or visiting www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia.
