People from across Derbyshire are now taking part in a major national clinical trial that could change how dementia is diagnosed in the UK, using a simple blood test instead of more invasive procedures.
The study is part of the ADAPT trial, led by researchers at University College London, and is now underway at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. The trial is examining whether a blood test can diagnose Alzheimer’s disease earlier and more accurately than current methods used in NHS memory clinics.
ADAPT, short for Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis and Plasma pTau217, sits within the Blood Biomarker Challenge. The programme is supported by Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer’s Research UK, funding raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the National Institute for Health and Care Research, and Gates Ventures. The aim is to introduce reliable blood tests for dementia into the NHS by 2029.
Recruitment for the trial began earlier this year, with Derbyshire one of 20 NHS areas now involved. More than 1,100 people are expected to take part across the country.
A quicker route to diagnosis
Getting a clear and timely dementia diagnosis can make a huge difference. It allows people to access treatment, plan ahead, and receive the right care and support. At present, diagnosis often relies on memory assessments, brain scans, or lumbar punctures. These can be time consuming, uncomfortable, and costly, leading to long waits or, in some cases, no diagnosis at all.
The ADAPT trial is testing whether blood tests can offer a faster and simpler alternative. People who have already been referred to an NHS memory clinic with concerns about memory or thinking may be invited to take part.
All participants receive standard diagnostic assessments. Around half will receive the results of the blood test early in their assessment, while the rest will receive the results later. Researchers will then compare how this timing affects diagnosis, care decisions, costs, and quality of life.
How the test works
The blood test measures a protein called p tau217, which reflects the build up of amyloid and tau in the brain. These are key biological markers linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Early evidence suggests the test can be as accurate as PET scans and lumbar punctures, while being less invasive and easier to deliver.
At present, only about two per cent of people with Alzheimer’s disease have access to specialist diagnostic tests. Researchers hope blood based testing could make accurate diagnosis available to many more people, including those living in Derbyshire.
Local involvement in national research
Dr Ashvini Keshavan, Senior Clinical Research Fellow and Honorary Consultant Neurologist at UCL’s Dementia Research Centre and co lead of the ADAPT trial, said Derbyshire’s involvement was a vital part of building the evidence needed to bring blood testing into everyday NHS care.
She said the trial could help deliver earlier and more accurate diagnoses, ensuring more people receive timely treatment and support.
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said the trial marked an important moment in improving dementia care and highlighted the role of lottery players in helping fund the research.
Alongside ADAPT, the READ OUT study is also progressing as part of the Blood Biomarker Challenge, with more than 20 sites now open nationwide.
Participants in the ADAPT trial are being recruited through NHS memory services and include people from a wide range of communities and backgrounds. Researchers say this broad mix is essential to ensure the results reflect real life across the UK, helping shape the future of dementia diagnosis for everyone.
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