Alzheimer's finger-prick test could help diagnosis

Finger-Prick Blood Test Could Revolutionise Alzheimer's Diagnosis

An international clinical trial is investigating whether a simple finger-prick blood test could be used to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. The research, which involves 1,000 volunteers over the age of 60 across the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, aims to identify specific biomarkers linked to the condition.

Dr Michael Sandberg, a London GP, was inspired to enrol in the study after witnessing his mother’s decline due to Alzheimer’s. Upon receiving a negative result from the trial tests, he described the news as "a huge relief."

The Bio-Hermes-002 study is funded by the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation, the UK Dementia Research Institute, and the medical research charity LifeArc.

Tracking "Rogue" Proteins

The trial focuses on detecting three specific proteins that serve as indicators of the disease. Dr Giovanna Lalli, Director at LifeArc, explained the significance:

"We are looking at blood-based biomarkers to identify the presence and levels of three proteins linked to Alzheimer's. This allows us to determine if a person is at risk of developing the condition long before symptoms appear."

Research indicates that "rogue" proteins, such as amyloid and tau, can begin accumulating in the brain up to 15 years before a patient exhibits clinical signs of dementia.

Why a Finger-Prick Test Matters

Currently, confirming an Alzheimer's diagnosis requires invasive or expensive procedures, such as:

• PET Scans: Using radioactive tracers to visualise the brain.

• Lumbar Punctures: Removing cerebrospinal fluid via a needle in the spine.

Because only two out of every 100 Alzheimer’s patients currently have access to these specialised tests, the finger-prick method could transform how the NHS identifies the disease. Unlike traditional blood draws, these samples do not require refrigeration and can be collected at home before being posted to a lab.

"Knowledge is Power"

Professor Fiona Carragher, Chief Policy and Research Officer at the Alzheimer’s Society, emphasised that diagnosis in the UK takes "far too long." She noted that with new therapies on the horizon, "early and precise diagnosis must be a priority for the NHS."

For Dr Sandberg, the personal impact was profound. After undergoing both a brain scan and the finger-prick test—both of which were negative—he stated:

"I believe knowledge is power. I am thrilled that we may soon be able to screen those at risk of dementia without the need for expensive scans or needles."

Trial Progress and Diversity

The study is being supported in the UK by ReCognition Health, led by neuro-radiologist Dr Emer MacSweeney. To ensure the results are applicable to the general population, the trial has committed to ensuring at least 25% of volunteers come from under-represented groups.

Current Trial Status:

• Target Participants: 1,000

• Enrolled so far: 883

• Completed all tests: 360+

• Expected Conclusion: 2028

While US regulators cleared a traditional needle-and-syringe blood test last year, the finger-prick method represents the next step in making screening accessible to the wider public. Scientists will now review the data from all 1,000 volunteers to confirm the test's efficacy.