RecruitingNot SpecifiedInterventional

Trialling a blood test for Alzheimer’s disease in UK memory services

This study is exploring whether a new blood test can help diagnose Alzheimer's disease more quickly and accurately in people visiting UK memory clinics for the first time. If you're 50 or older, have memory concerns reported by yourself or a loved one, and your doctor thinks you have some memory impairment, you might be able to take part. The study involves a simple blood test and a few extra questions during your regular clinic visits over about 15 months. It aims to see if adding this blood test to standard checks improves diagnosis, potentially offering earlier understanding of memory changes. Your comfort and care are a priority, and any support needed will be provided.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Not Specified

Sponsor

University College London

Enrolment target

1,100

Start

28 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2027

Alzheimer’s disease

What is this study about?

This study, called ADAPT, is looking at a new blood test to help doctors check for Alzheimer's disease earlier and more accurately. Currently, diagnosing Alzheimer's can take time. This new blood test looks for a specific marker in your blood called p-tau217, which is linked to Alzheimer's. The researchers want to find out if using this blood test alongside the usual checks at memory clinics can make the diagnosis process faster and more precise for people in the UK.

The main idea is to see if doctors having the results of this blood test helps them make a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, or rule it out, sooner than they would with standard methods alone. This could mean people get an answer about their memory problems more quickly, which can be helpful for them and their families in planning for the future and understanding their condition.

The study will involve people who are already attending memory clinics for their first assessment. It's designed to fit in with your normal appointments, with some extra steps. The goal is to see if this blood test can become a routine part of how doctors diagnose Alzheimer's in the future, making the process more straightforward for everyone.

Key takeaways

Exploring a new blood test for earlier Alzheimer's diagnosis.
Participation fits into your standard memory clinic appointments.
You'll need to provide a blood sample and have a study partner.
The study lasts about 15 months with clinic visits and phone calls.
Potential benefit: quicker, more accurate diagnosis.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part in this study if you are 50 years old or older and have been sent to an NHS memory clinic for your very first appointment because you or someone close to you has noticed problems with your memory.

The doctors at the memory clinic would need to think that your memory has genuinely declined and they're considering Alzheimer's disease as a possible reason for your memory changes. Also, you need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part. You'll also be asked to have a family member, friend, or carer who sees you at least once a week join the study with you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 50 years old or older?
Have you been referred to an NHS memory clinic for your first appointment?
Have you or a loved one noticed ongoing memory problems?
Does your doctor at the memory clinic think you might have memory decline or mild dementia?
Could you bring a family member, friend, or carer who sees you weekly to join the study?
Are you able to understand the study and agree to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study will mostly happen during your regular memory clinic visits. You'll have three face-to-face appointments over a year (at the start, at 3 months, and at 1 year) and two phone calls (at 6 and 15 months). You won't have any extra travel costs beyond what you’d normally have for your clinic appointments.

At your first clinic visit, after your normal assessment, you and your study partner (a family member, friend, or carer) will be invited to join. If you agree, you'll give a blood sample, and some information about your health will be collected. This will add no more than 75 minutes to your standard clinic visit. At the 3-month clinic visit, your doctor will discuss your diagnosis. For half of the study participants, their doctor will also have the blood test result to help with this discussion. After this visit, you'll be asked a few questions about your experience, adding about 30 minutes. The 6-month and 15-month assessments will be phone calls, each lasting up to 60 minutes, where you and your study partner will answer some questions. At the 12-month clinic visit, the remaining half of the participants will have their blood test results available to their doctor, and again, you'll be asked some questions after your clinic visit, taking no more than 30 minutes. The whole study will last about 15 months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part means your memory clinic doctor might have access to the blood test result, which could help them make a more informed diagnosis as part of their overall assessment. As with any blood test, there are small risks like mild pain, bruising, or very rarely, infection at the site where the blood is taken. These are managed with standard care. There's also a chance that knowing the blood test result could lead to a change in diagnosis, either towards or away from Alzheimer’s disease. This can be emotionally difficult, but memory clinics are set up to provide support for such situations, including referring you for emotional support if needed. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (13)

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Westcliff-on-sea, United Kingdom
Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust
City only
Coventry, United Kingdom
Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust
City only
Leicester, United Kingdom
Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Southampton, United Kingdom
Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust
City only
London, United Kingdom
Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust
City only
Maidstone, United Kingdom
Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Gloucester, United Kingdom
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Approximate
Derby, United Kingdom
West London NHS Trust
Approximate
Southall, United Kingdom
Grampian
Approximate
Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Tayside
Unverified
Dundee, United Kingdom
Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Unverified
Glasgow, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The goal is to see if a new blood test can help doctors diagnose Alzheimer's disease more quickly and accurately for people visiting memory clinics in the UK.

Will I get my blood test results?

Yes, for all participants, your doctor will eventually have the blood test result to help with your diagnosis, either at the 3-month or 12-month visit.

Does taking part mean I will be given a new medicine?

No, this study is about a diagnostic blood test, not about trying new medicines. You will continue with your usual medical care.

What is a 'study partner'?

A study partner is a family member, friend, or carer who knows you well, sees you regularly (at least weekly), and can also provide information and support during the study.

Will I have to pay to take part?

No, you will not have to pay to take part, and there are no additional travel costs beyond your usual clinic appointments.

How to find out more

Tanjil Nawaz

cctu.adapt@ucl.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.