NHS dementia blood test: Abingdon woman in Oxford trial

Abingdon: Stephanie Everill, 67, was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment last year. She’s now part of a new trial for a blood test that could improve dementia diagnoses.

This test has scientists excited. They believe it could help many people get diagnosed faster. Stephanie’s mother had Alzheimer’s, so she understands the importance of early diagnosis.

She hopes this study will lead to quicker diagnoses and better treatments for herself and others. The trial is part of the Blood Biomarker Challenge by Dementia Platform UK, based at Oxford and Cambridge.

Over 3,000 people are enrolled in this study across 28 UK sites. They aim to identify a biomarker for Alzheimer’s through blood tests. This could change how dementia is diagnosed in the NHS.

Professor Vanessa Raymont from DPUK says it’s an exciting time for dementia research. New drugs can slow early Alzheimer’s, but early diagnosis is crucial for patients to benefit from them.

Dr. Sheona Scales from Alzheimer’s Research UK emphasizes the need for change. Dementia is the leading cause of death in the UK, and people often wait too long for a diagnosis. The Blood Biomarker Challenge is a step toward better answers for those affected.