The finger prick blood test that could revolutionise Alzheimer’s diagnosis

A pioneering trial has begun to assess whether a simple finger-prick blood test could offer an early diagnosis for Alzheimer’s disease, even before symptoms manifest. Experts are optimistic that this research will lead to an affordable and straightforward blood test, replacing the currently invasive diagnostic procedures.

At present, a definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s requires patients to undergo either a specialised brain scan or a lumbar puncture to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. Should the new blood test prove successful, it would be significantly more accessible, enabling quick and inexpensive testing within GP surgeries, thereby transforming early detection efforts.

The new test is led by the not-for-profit medical research organisation LifeArc and the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation (Gap), with support from the UK Dementia Research Institute (UKDRI).

Dr Giovanna Lalli, director of strategy and operations at LifeArc, said: “Over the last five years, there has been substantial progress in identifying blood-based biomarkers to identify people at high risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease before their symptoms present.

“Developing cheaper, scalable and more accessible tests is vital in the battle against this devastating condition.

“We are committed to improving patient lives through the development of new tests and treatments, and we are excited about the prospect of a finger prick blood test for Alzheimer’s disease because it will allow more patients to access new drugs, currently being developed, to slow disease progression in its early stages.”

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Source: The Independent, 19 January 2026