Hampshire and Isle of Wight begin trial to help transform dementia diagnosis

A major clinical trial exploring whether a simple blood test could transform dementia diagnosis is now underway at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

The local sites are taking part in the ADAPT trial, led by a team at University College London. Researchers want to find out whether the blood test can diagnose Alzheimer’s disease earlier and more accurately than current methods, and whether it is reliable across a wide range of people referred to NHS memory clinics.

ADAPT is part of the multi-million-pound Blood Biomarker Challenge, led by Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research UK, with support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the National Institute for Health and Care Research and Gates Ventures. The aim is to help bring blood tests for dementia into the NHS by 2029.

Recruitment for the trial began at Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust in August 2025, with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust among 20 NHS centres involved across the UK. More than 1,100 participants are expected to take part nationwide.

Researchers say accurate and timely diagnosis of dementia is essential, helping people access treatment, plan ahead and receive the right care and support. Current diagnosis often relies on memory tests, brain scans or lumbar punctures, which can be slow, invasive and costly.

The trial will look at whether giving blood test results earlier in the diagnostic process can speed up diagnosis, guide decisions on further investigations and improve quality of life for people living with dementia. It will also examine the impact on healthcare costs and outcomes for different groups of patients.

The blood test measures p-tau217, a marker linked to the build-up of amyloid and tau proteins in the brain, both associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers say emerging evidence suggests it may offer accuracy comparable to PET scans and lumbar punctures, while being less invasive and more accessible.

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 Hampshire and Isle of Wight memory clinics will be 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 Hampshire and Isle of Wight, 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.”

Get the latest BREAKING NEWS for the SOUTH on your phone by downloading the V2 RADIO APP today!

V2VOUCHERS.CO.UK is offering half-price deals on a wide range of experiences across the South, from meals out at local restaurants to tickets for some of the region’s biggest events.