GAME CHANGER
New test that spots Alzheimer’s 15 years before symptoms strike ‘could be available on NHS in 3 YEARS’
The test could predict whether someone is 'likely' or 'unlikely' to develop the brain robbing disease
A BREAKTHROUGH new blood test that spots Alzheimer's 15 years before symptoms strike could be available on NHS in just three years.
The test works by testing for levels of p-tau217 in the blood, a protein that's a key marker for biological changes that happen in the brain during Alzheimer's.
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The disease is characterised by a buildup of two substances in the brain called beta amyloid and tau, which clump up and form tiny structures called plaques and tangles.
But research published in the journal pointed to p-tau217, the levels of which increase in the blood at the same time in people with the condition.
Scientists say it could be key to catching Alzheimer's early, with the potential to "revolutionise" diagnosis for people suspected of having it.
Although not yet offered to patients suspected of having the disease, charities say it could be ready to use widely by 2027.
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Lead by Dr Nicholas Ashton, researchers at the University of Gothenburg could categorise 786 people as 'likely', 'intermediate' and 'unlikely' to have Alzheimer’s disease using the ALZpath p-tau217 test.
They found that levels of p-tau217 in the blood reflected the levels of amyloid and tau proteins seen in brain scans and lumbar punctures.
Dr Richard Oakley, associate director of research and innovation at the Alzheimer's Society, said: "This study is a hugely welcome step in the right direction as it shows that blood tests can be just as accurate as more invasive and expensive tests at predicting if someone has features of Alzheimer's disease in their brain.
"Furthermore, it suggests results from these tests could be clear enough to not require further follow-up investigations for some people living with Alzheimer's disease, which could speed up the diagnosis pathway significantly in future.
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"However, we still need to see more research across different communities to understand how effective these blood tests are across everyone who lives with Alzheimer's disease."
Currently, the only way to prove that someone has a build-up of the proteins in the brain is to have a lumbar puncture or an amyloid PET scan, which are available in only about one in 20 NHS memory clinics.
Everybody over 50 could be routinely screened every few years, in much the same way as they are now screened for high cholesterol.
Prof David Curtis
A lumbar puncture involves a needle being inserted into the lower back between the bones in the spine.
Dr Sheona Scales, director of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, said: "This study suggests that measuring levels of a protein called p-tau217 in the blood could be as accurate as currently used lumbar punctures for detecting the biological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease, and superior to a range of other tests currently under development.
"This adds to a growing body of evidence that this particular test has huge potential to revolutionise diagnosis for people with suspected Alzheimer's."
However, she added that a better picture is needed of how these types of blood tests perform day-to-day in real-world healthcare systems.
WHEN WILL IT BE IN THE NHS?
Dr Susan Kohlhaas, executive director of research and partnerships at Alzheimer's Research UK, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the next step is checking that the results still stand when used in clinics among people with memory issues.
Then it would need approval by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and a recommendation by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) before it could be rolled out to people on the NHS.
As a result, Dr Susan said it will be at least three to five years before the test is available to people with the disease.
She said: "It's probably on the closer end of five years.
"What's really important is that this is really urgent to sort.
"We can see the time where treatments are just coming round the corner that, for the first time, slow progression of diseases like Alzheimer's.
"If people can't get a diagnosis, they won't have access to those treatments.'
Dr Susan added: "Eventually, it would be great to be able to screen people and ensure they have access to treatments as quickly as possible."
Private healthcare providers could start offering the test sooner than the NHS based on the findings, allowing people to fork out of their own pockets for tests before they become routine.
Prof David Curtis, honorary professor, UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, said: "Everybody over 50 could be routinely screened every few years, in much the same way as they are now screened for high cholesterol.
"It is possible that currently available treatments for Alzheimer's disease would work better in those diagnosed early in this way.
"However, I think the real hope is that better treatments can also be developed.
"The combination of a simple screening test with an effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease would have a dramatic impact for individuals and for society."
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It's estimated that more than 900,000 people in the UK have dementia - most of these cases are caused by Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia.
This number is estimated to rise to 1.6 million by 2040, according to .
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