Simple dementia-detecting blood test begins NHS trial
Simple dementia-detecting blood test begins NHS trial
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A simple blood test that could revolutionise dementia diagnosis has started trials in NHS clinics. The study of more than 3,000 patients will verify a diagnostic test suitable for routine use that can detect problems with memory and mental processing at an early stage.
Currently just 2% of people with Alzheimer’s Disease have a proper diagnosis because the NHS doesn’t have enough specialised PET (positron emission tomography) brain scanners or trained staff to take a sample of fluid from the spine. The blood test should change that.
Stephanie Everill, 67, is one of the first patients to take part in the Blood Biomarker Challenge. She was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment around a year ago and she struggles with her memory. Her mum had Alzheimer's and doctors believe she too may be developing the disease.
Former Manchester United defender David May shares dementia fears. Dean Windass, who won Hull City promotion to Premier League, diagnosed with dementia. Wendy Williams 'permanently incapacitated' due to dementia, guardian says. "Sometimes I can't say what I want to say because it's just gone, I can't remember," she said.
"I do struggle with that and sometimes Roy (her husband) will give me the word I need. "I hope that taking part in this study might mean a faster diagnosis and access to treatments for myself and others in the future.". Ms Everill gave a sample of blood at the Warneford Hospital in Oxford, one of 28 clinics and mobile units around the UK taking part in the study.
