A major clinical trial exploring the potential of using a simple blood test to transform dementia diagnosis dementia is now underway at Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust and West London NHS Trust.
These trial sites are part of the ADAPT* trial, being led by a team at University College London, which wants to see if the blood test can diagnose Alzheimer’s disease earlier and more accurately than current methods, and is reliable across a broad range of people who have been referred to NHS memory clinics.
ADAPT forms part of the multi-million-pound Blood Biomarker Challenge, supported by Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer’s Research UK, and players of People’s Postcode Lottery, which aims to revolutionise dementia diagnosis by bringing blood tests into the NHS by 2029.
Recruitment began at Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust on 28 August 2025, with Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust in South East London and West London NHS Trust among 20 NHS centres opening across the UK. More than 1,100 participants are expected to take part nationwide.
Accurate and timely diagnosis of dementia is vital – it enables people access treatment, plan for the future and receive the right care and support. However, current diagnostic methods often depend on memory tests, brain scans, or lumbar punctures, which can be slow, invasive, and expensive. As a result, many individuals face lengthy waits or remain undiagnosed. The ADAPT trial aims to transform this process by developing a faster, simpler, and more accessible way to detect dementia.
People who have been referred to an NHS memory clinic for memory and thinking concerns can take part in the study**. All participants will receive standard diagnostic tests. Half of the participants will receive the blood test results near the start of an assessment for memory and thinking concerns. The rest of the participants will receive the results later in the process***.
The trial will see if getting the blood test results earlier on in the diagnosis process can help speed up diagnosis, guide decisions on further investigations, and improve quality of life for people living with dementia. Researchers will also assess whether earlier access to results affects healthcare costs and outcomes across different patient groups.
The blood test measures p-tau217, which reflects the build-up of two hallmark Alzheimer’s proteins – amyloid and tau – in the brain. Emerging evidence shows that this blood test can detect these changes with a level of accuracy comparable to established diagnostic methods including PET scans and lumbar punctures, while being less invasive, more widely available, and more cost-effective.
Currently, only around 2 per cent of people with Alzheimer’s disease have access to these specialist tests. The ADAPT trial will explore whether a blood-based alternative can offer a simpler and more widely available option.
Dr Ashvini Keshavan, Senior Clinical Research Fellow and Honorary Consultant Neurologist at the Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and the ADAPT trial co-lead, said:
“We’re proud that Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust and West London NHS Trust are part of this important national trial and thrilled to welcome participants as sites open across the country. This is a critical part of the Blood Biomarker Challenge, which we hope will take us a step forward in revolutionising the way we diagnose dementia.
“After decades of research, we now have a blood test for Alzheimer’s that provides comparable information to gold-standard diagnostic tests but is far more accessible and cost-effective. This landmark trial will provide the vital evidence needed to integrate blood tests into routine clinical practice across the NHS, ultimately offering earlier and more accurate diagnoses, and ensuring that more people in London and across the UK receive timely treatments and support.”
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “We are delighted to see the groundbreaking ADAPT blood test trial for Alzheimer’s disease now underway nationwide. This marks a pivotal moment in the quest to improve dementia care and highlights the immense value of funding raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.”
The READ-OUT study****, which is also part of the Blood Biomarker Challenge, has also opened to participants. It continues to make fantastic progress, with 301 participants recruited and 19 sites now open across the UK.
Participants in the ADAPT trial will be recruited through NHS memory services and will include individuals from a wide range of geographic, ethnic and economic backgrounds, as well as those living with other health conditions. This approach will help ensure the findings are relevant, representative, and inclusive of the broader population.
