A groundbreaking study in Scotland is enabling general practitioners to offer patients a blood test for Alzheimer's disease, potentially transforming the diagnostic process. The Bringing Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarkers to General Practice (BriDGe) project, led by Scottish Brain Sciences and supported by Roche Diagnostics, involves more than 50 GPs in central and northern Scotland. The trial aims to recruit up to 500 patients, making it the largest UK study of Alzheimer’s blood tests in primary care.
Impact on Dementia Diagnosis
Dementia affects approximately 90,000 people in Scotland, with an estimated 3,000 under the age of 65. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form, accounts for about two-thirds of these cases—around 60,000 individuals. The blood tests used in the study, known as p-tau181 and p-tau217, detect proteins in the blood that reflect Alzheimer’s-related brain changes. International research suggests these biomarkers may identify or rule out Alzheimer’s earlier and more accurately than traditional memory tests or scans.
GP and Patient Perspectives
Dr. Sheelagh Harwell, a senior associate GP at GP-Plus in Edinburgh participating in the study, noted: “The BriDGe study heralds an exciting time in general practice as new diagnostic blood tests become available. Consultations are shifting from physicians discussing dementia risk with patients, to discussing brain health. An earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can aid patients with lifestyle modifications, allow them to access support sooner, and plan ahead.”
A patient named Martin, who previously took part in a Scottish Brain Sciences study, described his frustrating experience with current diagnostics: “I have had conflicting information from healthcare professionals which has left me in limbo. I had tests through my GP and was told it is likely I have Alzheimer’s disease so I was referred to a psychiatrist at my local hospital. The psychiatrist told me I didn’t have Alzheimer’s, without carrying out any tests. If a blood test was available through my GP that could make the diagnosis process easier—and potentially quicker—I would be very willing to take it.”
Expert Endorsements
Professor Craig Ritchie, chief investigator of the BriDGe project and CEO of Scottish Brain Sciences, described blood tests for Alzheimer’s as “one of the most exciting developments in dementia research in a generation.” He added: “We now need to understand how they work in real-world healthcare. By partnering with 50 GPs and up to 500 patients, BriDGe will show how these tests could transform the way we detect, diagnose and ultimately treat Alzheimer’s disease.”
Ashton Harper, global medical affairs lead for neurosciences at Roche Diagnostics, stated: “This landmark collaboration between GPs, researchers and patients across Scotland has the potential to transform the way Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed. By paving the way for earlier detection through primary care, it could help more people access the right treatment, care and support at the earliest possible stage.”
Professor Tara Spires-Jones, professor of neurodegeneration at the University of Edinburgh, called the rollout “excellent news.” She explained: “Elevated levels of the protein pTau in blood indicate that people have Alzheimer’s disease-associated pathology in their brains. While not everyone with this pathology will go on to develop dementia, people with cognitive symptoms and a positive blood test are likely in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, meaning this test will help with diagnosis. This will be particularly important in the future as it is likely that new treatments will become available that can remove Alzheimer’s pathology from the brain and slow disease progression.”
Next Steps
GP surgeries interested in participating in the BriDGe study can contact Scottish Brain Sciences. The study aims to build GP experience and confidence in using the new tests, and to assess their value at the earliest stages of disease progression—where quicker, more accurate information could make the greatest difference for patients and their families.
