Could an at-home blood test and brain testing help screen people for dementia?

A finger prick blood test combined with online brain testing – all done from home – could identify people’s risk of developing dementia.A new study found that the level of proteins linked to dementia were linked to performance on a series of brain tests. The researchers measured 2 proteins in the blood tests. These include:

• Ptau 217 linked to Alzheimer’s disease

• Gfap linked to broader brain decline.

What does the finger-prick blood test help identify?

The research concludes that at-home testing could be a way to identify people at highest risk of dementia.

This means the test can:

• Identify people at risk so they can be prioritised for further testing, treatment and support

• Identify people at low risk who could be given assurance

• Find those at moderate risk who may benefit from monitoring and guidance on reducing their risk in future.

Professor Anne Corbett, of the University of Exeter Medical School, led the research, and said: “Our previous research has shown that a finger-prick blood test can effectively be taken at home and posted to labs, and that we can identify the biomarkers in blood linked to dementia. This new study builds on that to show that we can link these biomarkers with performance on brain tests, giving us a potential way to predict risk of dementia.

“This work raises the potential for screening people for their risk without the need for clinic visits or complex clinical assessments. It would ensure the people at highest risk could be prioritised for monitoring and diagnosis, unlocking the best support and treatment for those that need it most.”

What did the study involve?

The research is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Exeter Biomedical Research Centre. The research was conducted in the online PROTECT study.

The PROTECT STUDY has more than 30,000 UK participants aged over 40. They take regular cognitive tests to measure memory, attention and executive function, or decision-making skills.

Vic Owens, 46, who works in fundraising, signed up for PROTECT this year. She signed up after learning that action in mid life is important for reducing risk of dementia.

Vic, from Exeter, said: “Sadly my ex’s mother passed away from Alzheimer’s disease, which really brought the issue close to home. Seeing that decline is so scary, and you feel really helpless.

“When I heard about the PROTECT study, I wanted to understand more about what can help keep my brain sharp, and also contribute to something that could help other people. It’s really easy to take part from home – it’s just like doing fun brain training games. I feel part of something useful, and it’s great to see findings like this which could help provide an economic way to screen people from their own homes, and identify those at risk so they could get the help they need.”

The research included 174 PROTECT participants who were sent the at-home tests. They administered the tests themselves and posted it back to the team.

Vic’s mum Jan Tandy, 73, has also decided to sign up to PROTECT. The retired art gallery owner said: “I’d never really thought much about dementia. I’ve tried to stay fit and look after myself, so I felt low risk. But recently my friend was diagnosed, and it really got to me how frightened she was about losing herself to this condition. I’m signing up because I want to do something to help research and improve understanding in future, and I hope it can help prevent this disease and help people get the right treatment and care as soon as they need it.”

What were the results?

Researchers found that:

• Performance on the brain tests correlated with the presence of the proteins

• The tau protein emerged with the strongest links

• The team was able to categorise people at low, medium and high risk.

Take part in research

PROTECT is open to adults aged 40 and over living in the UK who do not have a diagnosis of dementia. All that’s needed is an internet-connected device and a willingness to contribute to research. Log in to your Join Dementia Research account to see if you have been invited to take part. Or if you don’t already have an account, sign up today.