A major UK dementia blood test study has recruited its 1,000th participant as researchers examine whether it could improve NHS diagnosis.
The milestone was reached at ReMind UK in Bath, one of 33 recruitment sites supporting the READ-OUT study.
The study is co-led by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and is investigating whether blood-based biomarkers can be used alongside existing NHS memory clinic assessments.
Researchers are assessing whether the tests could improve the accuracy and speed of diagnosing the diseases that cause dementia.
Professor Vanessa Raymont, director of research and development at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and Dementias Platform UK, is a co-lead of the READ-OUT study.
She said: “Reaching our 1,000th participant is an important milestone and a reflection of the commitment shown by volunteers, researchers and clinical teams across the UK.
“We are extremely grateful to Bob and everyone who has taken part. Their contribution is helping us determine whether blood tests can support faster and more accurate dementia diagnosis in NHS settings.
“Oxford Health is proud to play a leading role in this research. Every participant brings us closer to generating the evidence needed to support future diagnostic approaches and improve care for people living with dementia and their families.”
The study is part of the Blood Biomarker Challenge, a multi-million-pound initiative aiming to bring dementia blood tests into routine NHS care by 2029.
The initiative is led by Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer’s Research UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Research, Gates Ventures and players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Bob Crampton, 75, from Bath, became the study’s 1,000th participant.
He was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2023 and volunteered to support research that could improve diagnosis for future patients.
“I was very keen to take part in the READ-OUT study, and it is encouraging to see so many people from across the UK also choosing to get involved. I am certainly proud to be the 1000th participant.
“If sharing my experience can help improve understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and support scientific progress, then I feel I’ve done my part.”
Participants provide a blood sample and information about their cognitive health.
Researchers will use the information to assess whether blood tests can reliably identify different forms of dementia across the broad range of people seen in NHS memory clinics.
Oxford Health was among the first sites to recruit participants and is helping to generate evidence on how blood biomarker testing could be introduced into routine dementia care across the NHS.
More than 3,000 people are expected to take part in the study across 33 sites nationwide.
The study comes amid growing interest in diagnostic tools that could help people access support and potential treatments earlier.
