Simple blood test could spot Alzheimer’s disease even before symptoms

Health & Fitness
19 Jan 2026 • 4:03 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • A pioneering trial has commenced to evaluate a simple finger-prick blood test for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, even before symptoms appear.
  • The new test aims to replace current invasive diagnostic methods, such as specialised brain scans or lumbar punctures, making detection more accessible and affordable.
  • Led by LifeArc and the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation (Gap), with support from the UK Dementia Research Institute, the test identifies three proteins associated with Alzheimer's.
  • The study has already enrolled 883 of its target 1,000 participants globally, including individuals with no cognitive issues, mild cognitive impairment, and mild to moderate Alzheimer’s.
  • Experts believe a successful outcome, expected by 2028, could revolutionise Alzheimer's diagnosis, enabling earlier intervention with new treatments and improving detection for other neurodegenerative conditions.

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