A new blood test for earlier Alzheimer’s detection has been developed by researchers based in Washington University School of Medicine (WashU Medicine), Missour, and Lund University, Sweden.
Earlier detection means being quicker treatment. As a result, people with Alzheimer’s can hope to manage their symptoms better to slow the progression of the disease.
In a study published on 31 March 2025, the researchers showed that the blood test can accurately detect tau tangles, in a first for dementia research. These occur in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, when the protein tau disintegrates and wraps around parts of the brain, worsening symptoms like memory loss.
Researcher and Professor of Neurology at WashU Medicine Dr Randall J Bateman said: “We do not have easy or accessible measures of Alzheimer’s tangles.
“A tangle blood test like this can provide a much better indication if the symptoms are due to Alzheimer’s and may also help doctors decide which treatments are best.”
Tests for Alzheimer’s, such as spinal taps, are often painful, expensive and invasive.
They are also not consistently available to dementia services across the UK, leaving people in rural and deprived areas without access to necessary specialist treatment.
Blood tests are a potentially painless, affordable and easily accessible alternative for Alzheimer’s detection. Researchers in the UK have been campaigning for them to become the norm.
The Blood Biomarker Challenge, a project between Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society and the National Institute for Health and Care Research, aimed to create a blood test for earlier Alzheimer’s detection by 2028.
Dr Susan Kohlhaas, Executive Director of Research and Partnerships at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We are sitting on the cusp of a new era of dementia treatments.”
She added that blood tests for earlier Alzheimer’s detection could “absolutely revolutionise the way dementia is diagnosed”.
To fund research like this, many UK-based Alzheimer’s charities rely on grants and donations.
They host a range of fundraising opportunities for the public, including the recent Alzheimer’s Research UK’s March knitting challenge, which encouraged people to sell their knitted items and donate the proceeds to the charity.
Megan Ruddlesden, Senior Central Fundraising Team Manager for the charity said: “Over half of us know someone affected by dementia, and our knitting challenge is a simple, accessible way to get involved and help fund research that will lead us to a cure.
“Fundraising challenges are a great way to support charities. Whether it’s knitting, swimming, walking or running, there is a way for everyone to make a big difference.”
Ruddlesden added: “Last year we funded over £27m in dementia research, and our fabulous knitters will go a long way to make sure we can continue this work.”
