At-home test might predict Alzheimer’s risk, says Exeter study
Exeter University leads research on new finger-prick blood test
Researchers from the University of Exeter may have developed a promising tool to predict the risk of Alzheimer's disease with a simple at-home test.
This innovative method combines a finger-prick blood test with an online brain assessment, allowing individuals to conduct both procedures without visiting a clinic.
Professor Anne Corbett, leading the study at the University of Exeter Medical School, remarked on the need for scalable testing solutions for those not engaged with specialised health services.
She stated that early identification through home testing can prioritise further evaluation and support for people facing memory and thinking difficulties.
Professor Corbett explained, "Our previous research demonstrated that a finger-prick blood test could effectively be implemented at home and mailed to laboratories, where biomarkers linked to dementia are identified."
This recent research advances prior findings by showing how these biomarkers can relate to performance on brain tests, potentially predicting dementia risks.
Professor Corbett highlighted the potential for screening without clinical visits, which could allow for prioritised monitoring and diagnosis, ensuring appropriate treatment and support.
Conducted on 174 participants, the study involved the self-administration of the blood test with biomarkers p-tau217 and GFAP, indicators respectively linked to Alzheimer's and overall brain decline.
These tests, accompanied by cognitive testing, helped estimate the risk of Alzheimer's, which could aid in arranging further diagnostic steps.
Professor Clive Ballard emphasised the study's significance, noting that most people in early stages of brain decline do not receive specialist evaluations.
"The combination of cognitive testing with postal blood tests presents an efficient and cost-effective method to reach a broader community and optimise early detection pathways," he explained.
Professor Ballard encouraged those over 40 to participate in the Protect study, which utilises regular cognitive tests to assess various memory and cognitive skills.
Professor Marian Knight from NIHR highlighted the potential for the test to reduce NHS burdens by facilitating home-based screening and early dementia identification.
Dr Sheona Scales, Alzheimer's Research UK director of research, expressed excitement for the low-cost and scalable testing revolution and urged for larger, diverse studies to confirm its performance in standard healthcare settings.