A new finger-prick blood test could be used to assess a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The test is being assessed in an international trial involving 1,000 volunteers aged over 60 across the UK, US and Canada. It aims to detect biomarkers in the blood associated with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia.
The Bio-Hermes-002 study is being led by the medical research charity LifeArc and the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation and supported by the UK Dementia Research Institute.
Dr Giovanna Lalli, Director of Strategy and Operations at LifeArc, explains that the test looks for the presence of three proteins that have been linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease – “so-called blood-based biomarkers.”
She added:
“By analysing the concentration and the levels of these proteins it may tell us whether a person is at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.”
It follows studies which have demonstrated that rogue proteins amyloid and tau can start to accumulate in the brains of individuals over 15 years before they start to display any symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
New finger-prick test could ‘revolutionise’ Alzheimer’s diagnosis
The current gold-standard in testing for Alzheimer’s involves a specialised brain PET scan using a radioactive tracer, or a lumbar puncture to remove a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. These tests are expensive, time-consuming and invasive, and they can generally only be offered to around 2% of Alzheimer’s patients.
It is hoped that the new finger-prick blood test could help to revolutionise the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Chief Policy and Research Officer at the Alzheimer’s Society, Professor Fiona Carragher, said that, currently, obtaining an accurate diagnosis of the condition “takes far too long.”
She explained:
“With new treatments on the horizon, early and accurate diagnosis must be a priority for the NHS. That’s why we’re funding work to bring blood tests for dementia to the NHS, so everyone who would benefit from a diagnosis can get one quickly and accurately.”
Individuals with Alzheimer’s can significantly benefit from a timely diagnosis, with advantages including:
- Helpful, practical advice and help from healthcare professionals and organisations
- The ability to plan effectively for the future
- A sense of relief from knowing the next steps
- Avoiding reaching crisis point
Finger-prick test part of developing field in Alzheimer’s research
Researchers will analyse the findings from all 1,000 volunteers taking part in the new trial to determine how effective the finger-prick blood test is at identifying the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Neuro-radiologist Dr Emer MacSweeney, who works at Re:Cognition Health and is responsible for recruiting some of the UK volunteers for the study, said the finger-prick test could provide “a ubiquitous, accurate test which can detect the presence of abnormal amyloid protein in the brain without complicated, expensive investigations.”
The trial explores a rapidly developing field of research, focusing on using biomarkers in the blood to identify Alzheimer’s risk.
Just last year, regulators in the US approved a blood test for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease which involves a traditional blood draw using a needle and syringe, while a UK study is currently investigating whether blood tests can help improve both diagnosis and treatment.
A key benefit of the new finger-prick blood test is that it could be carried out by individuals in their own homes, with the sample posted to a lab for analysis.
This simpler test route could then eventually be used as a screening tool for dementia in older adults.
So far, 883 of the 1,000 participants have been enrolled in the study, with 360 completing all tests. Participants include a mix of cognitively normal and mildly impaired people, as well as some with early-stage Alzheimer’s, and the trial is expected to complete in 2028.
Researchers have also ensured that at least 25% of volunteers are from under-represented groups.
Training and development to support dementia care
First Response Training (FRT) is a leading, national training provider.
They deliver over 7,000 courses each year in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, food safety, mental health, health and social care and other special focus topics.
Their diverse portfolio includes training awards specially designed for health and social care workers, such as Dementia Awareness, Safeguarding Adults, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Person Centred Care and Support, Dignity in Care and many others.
Their course portfolio spans Care Certificate standards, mandatory training awards, clinical skills, special focus courses and training for supervisors and managers.
A Trainer at FRT, says:
“Around 900,000 people in the UK are affected by dementia and researchers anticipate that this will increase to 1.6 million people by 2040.
“There is currently no cure for the disease but there are treatments available to help manage symptoms and lots of specialist support for people and their families.
“Early and accurate dementia diagnosis is key to enable individuals to make preparations for their future and because starting treatments as soon as possible can help to slow deterioration over time. It also enables family and friends to access support and helpful resources. Being able to assess your risk of developing Alzheimer’s before even experiencing any symptoms is even more powerful.
“Wherever this trial leads, ultimately, training in dementia awareness remains absolutely vital for all individuals working in health and social care and can help ensure that care provided for people is safe, effective, compassionate, person-centred and dignified.”
Key signs and symptoms of dementia can include:
- Memory loss
- Disorientation
- Poor concentration
- Mood changes
- Self-neglect
- Weight loss
- Perception changes
- Sensory loss
- Depression
- Incontinence
- Behavioural changes
- Repetitive behaviours
- Communication difficulties
For more information on the training provided by FRT, please call them on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.