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Researchers develop blood tests for faster and easier dementia diagnosis

Large-scale trials aim to enable timely access to support and potential treatments

04-Apr-2024

Key points from article :

Researchers are developing blood tests to make it easier and cheaper to diagnose Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

Scientists from University College London (UCL) and the University of Oxford are leading the research, in partnership with memory clinics across the UK.

Around 5,000 volunteers will participate in trials testing the accuracy of various blood tests in detecting different forms of dementia, even in early stages.

Currently, many dementia patients don't get a proper diagnosis. These blood tests aim to improve diagnosis rates, allowing people to access care and potential treatments earlier.

The tests look for traces of harmful brain proteins (like amyloid and tau) that are associated with Alzheimer's and other dementias.

Earlier diagnosis with these blood tests could be crucial if recently developed drugs that slow down Alzheimer's are approved for wider use.

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University College London (UCL)

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University of Oxford

Collegiate research university and one of the world's leading universities

Topics mentioned on this page:
Mental Health, Diagnostics
Researchers develop blood tests for faster and easier dementia diagnosis