More than 50 clinics will offer tests to about 5,000 people who are worried about their memory in five-year trial. Two major trials led by teams from the University of Oxford and University College London are revolutionising dementia diagnosis in the UK by offering blood tests to those concerned.
Dementia presents one of the biggest health challenges of this generation; one in three people born today will develop the disease. With one million people in the UK predicted to have dementia by 2025 and the current cost of £26 billion a year to the UK economy, there is a huge financial and societal impact, yet we are still without treatment.
In 2022, dementia took the lives of 66,000 people in England and Wales, and it is now the leading cause of death in Britain, with Alzheimer’s accounting for two-thirds of cases.
To improve population health and reduce inequalities across the UK, the challenge is to ensure adoption of life-changing innovations and push Dementia to the forefront of the Government’s policy agenda.
“Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, yet a third of people living with dementia don’t have a diagnosis, which means they’re not able to access care and support. At the moment, only 2% of people with dementia can access the specialised tests needed to demonstrate eligibility for new treatments, leading to unnecessary delays, worry and uncertainty.”
Fiona Carragher, Director of Research and Influencing at the Alzheimer’s Society
Dementia Diagnosis Innovation
Two major trials led by teams from the University of Oxford and University College London aim to revolutionise dementia diagnosis in the UK by offering blood tests to thousands concerned about their memory.
These trials will investigate the effectiveness of affordable and straightforward tests in detecting proteins associated with early-stage dementia or cognitive issues, with the goal of expediting diagnosis and reaching more individuals.
Currently, formal diagnosis in the UK relies on mental ability tests, brain scans, or invasive lumbar punctures, leading to long waits of up to four years for appointments and results. Fiona Carragher, the director of research and influencing at the Alzheimer’s Society, said the reliance on specialised tests had led to “unnecessary delays, worry and uncertainty” that meant people often could not access the care they needed early on.
“We’ve seen the enormous potential that blood tests are showing for improving the diagnostic process for people and their loved ones in other disease areas. Now we need to see this same step change in dementia, which is the greatest health challenge facing the UK.”
Dr Sheona Scales, Director of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK
Final Thought:
The commencement of these trails signifies a pivotal moment in dementia policy, aiming to address the critical need for improved diagnosis and care accessibility. By exploring innovative blood tests, policymakers are recognising the urgency of tackling dementia and the profound societal and economic implications it entails.
These trials underscore a commitment to prioritising healthcare innovation, reducing diagnostic barriers, and ultimately enhancing support for individuals affected by dementia.
Moving forward, sustained policy attention and investment are essential to ensure that these efforts translate into meaningful improvements in dementia care delivery and outcomes across the nation.
In 2023, the NHS Innovation and Life Sciences Commission supported by Curia launched their Dementia Commission report at Westminster Abbey. The report was featured BBC News and can be downloaded here.
The Commission’s Dementia programme focused on three key areas where action is required, including: i) future technologies for patients, ii) population health and patient engagement, and iii) patient carers and clinicians. You can watch all videos from the sessions here.
To read our previous Op-ed from Mark MacDonald, Associate Director for Advocacy & System Change at Alzheimer’s Society, detailing why there is an urgent need to prioritise dementia, click here.