UK Trial Launches Blood Test to Improve Dementia Diagnosis at Scale
A major UK study led by the University of Bristol and North Bristol NHS Trust has begun to evaluate a group of blood tests designed to detect dementia earlier and more accurately. The research seeks to create faster and more reliable diagnostic tools for real-life healthcare settings.
The project forms part of the broader Blood Biomarker Challenge, supported by leading dementia charities and the People’s Postcode Lottery. It focuses on including participants from minority ethnic communities, older adults, and individuals with additional health conditions. By doing so, researchers aim to assess how blood-based diagnostics could reshape dementia care within the NHS.
Objectives and Research Leadership
The trial is conducted by the READ-OUT (REAl World Dementia OUTcomes) team under the Dementias Platform UK (DPUK). Its central goal is to close diagnostic gaps, facilitate earlier detection, and improve treatment outcomes for those living with dementia.
“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
A UK research team is testing how innovative blood-based diagnostics could speed up dementia detection and enhance patient outcomes nationwide.