A groundbreaking international trial is examining whether a simple finger-prick blood test could revolutionise the way Alzheimer’s disease is identified and diagnosed. The study, involving 1,000 volunteers aged over 60 in the UK, US, and Canada, aims to detect biomarkers associated with the debilitating condition.
Led by the medical research charity LifeArc and the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation, the Bio-Hermes-002 study is analysing the presence and levels of three proteins – amyloid and tau – that have been linked to Alzheimer’s. By doing so, researchers hope to determine whether the test can accurately identify individuals at risk of developing the most common form of dementia.
“We are looking at the presence of three proteins that have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, so-called blood-based biomarkers,” explained Dr Giovanna Lalli, director of strategy and operations at LifeArc. “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.”
The current gold-standard tests for Alzheimer’s, involving specialised brain scans or lumbar punctures, are expensive, time-consuming, and invasive. As a result, only two in 100 Alzheimer’s patients are offered these diagnostic tools. The finger-prick test, however, could be a game-changer, potentially allowing for early and accurate diagnosis without the need for complex medical procedures.
“With new treatments on the horizon, early and accurate diagnosis must be a priority for the NHS,” said Prof Fiona Carragher, chief policy and research officer at the Alzheimer’s Society. “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.”
Trial participant Dr Michael Sandberg, a London GP whose mother had Alzheimer’s, was encouraged to take part after witnessing her gradual decline. He received a negative result from the finger-prick test, which he described as “a huge relief”.
“I believe knowledge is power and am really excited that you may be able to screen people at risk of dementia without expensive scans or needles,” Sandberg said.
While the initial results are promising, scientists will need to analyse the findings from all 1,000 volunteers before determining the full potential of the finger-prick blood test in spotting the risk of Alzheimer’s. The trial is expected to be completed by 2028.
“If this is successful, it provides a ubiquitous, accurate test which can detect the presence of abnormal amyloid protein in the brain without complicated, expensive investigations,” said Dr Emer MacSweeney, a neuro-radiologist at ReCognition Health, who is recruiting some of the UK volunteers.
The development of blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer’s is a rapidly evolving field of research. Last year, US regulators approved a blood test for diagnosing the disease, while another study in the UK is exploring whether using such tests can improve both diagnosis and treatment in real-world settings.
