Key facts
- A new blood test for Alzheimer's disease is being offered to patients in Scotland as part of the BriDGe study.
- Over 50 GP surgeries are participating in the initiative, led by Scottish Brain Sciences.
- The study aims to recruit up to 500 patients to assess the effectiveness of blood tests in general practice.
- The tests, p-tau181 and p-tau217, detect brain changes linked to Alzheimer's and may offer earlier and more accurate detection than existing methods.
- The project is supported by Roche Diagnostics.
A landmark study in Scotland is now offering individuals suspected of having Alzheimer's disease the opportunity to receive a blood test through their general practitioner. The initiative, known as Bringing Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarkers to General Practice (BriDGe), involves more than 50 GP surgeries across central and northern Scotland.
Led by Scottish Brain Sciences, the project aims to explore how advanced blood tests could significantly accelerate diagnosis, empower GPs to make more informed decisions regarding patient care, and ensure individuals gain earlier access to crucial support and treatments. The study intends to refer up to 500 patients, establishing it as the largest UK investigation into Alzheimer’s blood tests conducted within a general practice setting.
This research is particularly significant in Scotland, where an estimated 90,000 people are living with dementia, approximately two-thirds of whom are believed to have Alzheimer's. Notably, around 3,000 of those affected are under the age of 65. The project receives support from Roche Diagnostics, the developer of the specific blood tests, p-tau181 and p-tau217, being utilised in the research.
When found in the blood, these proteins reflect changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s. International research indicates they may detect or rule out the condition earlier and more accurately than many existing memory tests or scans. The study aims to build GP experience and confidence in using the new tests and to assess their value at the earliest stages of disease progression.
Dr. Sheelagh Harwell, a participating GP, stated that the BriDGe study heralds an exciting time for general practice, shifting consultations from discussing dementia risk to discussing brain health, which can aid patients with lifestyle modifications and planning.
Professor Craig Ritchie, chief investigator of the BriDGe project, described blood tests for Alzheimer's as "one of the most exciting developments in dementia research in a generation," emphasizing the need to understand their function in real-world healthcare. Ashton Harper from Roche Diagnostics added that the collaboration has the potential to transform Alzheimer's diagnosis by paving the way for earlier detection through primary care.