World Alzheimer’s Month: the latest research
The Blood Biomarker Challenge isn’t a new viral trend – it’s the research that could change how we diagnose Alzheimer’s disease for the better!
As September marks World Alzheimer’s Month, it is an important time to keep raising awareness and fighting the stigma around dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
It also gives us an amazing opportunity to celebrate the life-changing research that is helping prevent and manage Alzheimer’s disease.
From the potential of innovative technology to support those with memory issues, to the promise held by new medications like Donanemab and Lecanemab, we are on the cusp of a new era in the fight against Alzheimer’s. And nowhere is that more evidential than in the new research regarding blood biomarker tests.
What is a blood biomarker test?
A blood biomarker test is a diagnostic method that measures specific indicators, or biomarkers, in the blood that suggest whether a person has Alzheimer’s disease or is at risk of developing it.
For Alzheimer's, researchers have identified that proteins such as amyloid and tau can accumulate abnormally in the brain.
While these proteins develop, they can be cleared into the spinal fluid and eventually the blood. The proteins then cause a build-up in the brain which then affect how the brain cells transmit messages.
By measuring the level of these proteins (specifically p-tau217 and p-tau181) in the blood, doctors can potentially diagnose Alzheimer’s disease 10 to 15 years before any symptoms may appear in an individual and distinguish it from other forms of dementia.
What is the challenge?
The research is being conducted by teams at University College London and Dementias Platform UK, who are working together to generate the evidence needed for blood biomarker tests to be used in the NHS within the next five years. (1)
This challenge aims to revolutionise dementia diagnosis by creating a diagnostic tool that is cost-effective, accurate and non-invasive. It contests current methods and helps achieve the objectives that the government has established.
Current diagnostic methods:
- Memory tests and brain scans are commonly used
- PET scans and spinal fluid tests are also common, yet these tests are available to only 2% of people due to high costs and limited specialized equipment
Future projections:
- Over one million people in Britain are expected to have Alzheimer’s or dementia by 2030
- Early treatment is hoped to ease symptom management
Government goals:
- They aim to diagnose 66.7% of individuals with dementia in England
- Yet, over half of local council areas are not meeting this diagnostic goal
With all this information in mind, it is obvious how early diagnosis via the blood biomarker tests could lead to better management of Alzheimer’s and could pave the way for life-changing treatment that is accessible for all.
New drugs, new hope
In the last year, new drugs that appear to reduce the deterioration of memory and thinking in people with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease have been in the headlines and are potentially making their way into the UK’s grasp.
The drugs Lecanemab and Donanemab both slow the early stages of the disease and are classed as antibodies – they attract immune cells to break down the protein found around the neurons of the brain.
A briefing paper for the NHS estimated that by using these drugs between 50,000 and 280,000 patients might be eligible for the new treatments, meaning that the ambition of diagnosing 66.7% of individuals over sixty-five will finally be met. (2)
We first spoke of these drugs in 2023 - and you can catch up on the research found last year here - but the public is hoping 2024 is the year of change.
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, yet a third of people living with dementia don’t have a diagnosis. […] An early and accurate diagnosis is also going to be vital in the future… 
Fiona Carragher, Director of Research at Alzheimer’s Society
A decision on the use of these drugs is expected to be made later in the year of 2024, with both the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) to decide whether these drugs will be available on the NHS.
While Donanemab has not yet been decided, it was confirmed on the 22nd of August 2024 that the NHS would not be offering Lecanemab to the public, due to the concerns that the benefits do not justify its high costs. Despite this, it will be available privately.
The chief executive at Alzheimer’s Research UK, Hilary Evans-Newton, described the news as a “bittersweet moment”.
The Longitude Prize on Dementia
This is a £4 million prize fund that is designed to stimulate innovation in the creation of personalised, technology-based tools for those living with the early stages of dementia.
The goals of these tools are to create a more independent lifestyle and to allow people to continue their meaningful, everyday activities.
Alzheimer’s Society organized the creation of this prize, along with Innovate UK and Challenge Works. (3)
August revealed twenty-four semi-finalists, which will eventually be whittled down to just five. Those five finalists will then receive additional funding to test their real-world prototypes.
Some innovation examples to aid those with dementia includes an augmented reality map that provides visual directions and simple navigation so that they can independently travel.
Occupational Therapy and Alzheimer’s
While constant research is going on in the hopes to prevent Alzheimer’s, and catch it in its early stages, it is also important to address the ongoing support for individuals with Alzheimer’s that did not get to experience the benefits of the new diagnostic methods mentioned.
Neurological occupational therapy can be highly beneficial for those with Alzheimer’s as the tools it provides help to maintain an individual’s independence and their quality of life.
It also aids patients with the ability to perform daily activities which can improve their symptoms and overall well-being, and Occupational Therapists can provide guidance on modifying aids and accommodation, memory strategies, and caregiver support.
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