A new study reveals that approximately 1 in 10 individuals aged 70 or older in the UK exhibit Alzheimer’s-related changes in their brains, as detected through advanced blood biomarker testing. This marks the first large-scale, real-world assessment of these biological indicators in a general population, providing a clearer picture than previous estimates based on limited clinical samples.
The Scale of Undiagnosed Alzheimer’s
The findings suggest over 1 million over-70s in the UK meet clinical criteria for emerging anti-amyloid therapies. This is significantly higher than the 70,000 currently estimated by the NHS as potentially eligible, given funding constraints. The discrepancy underscores a critical gap between scientific identification of at-risk individuals and actual treatment access.
Breakthrough in Early Detection
The study utilized the p-tau217 blood test, recently approved by regulators, which can identify Alzheimer’s changes much earlier than traditional methods. This represents a major step towards proactive diagnosis and intervention, as experts from Alzheimer’s Research UK emphasize. According to David Thomas, head of policy, “High-quality studies like this are crucial to enhancing our understanding of how blood tests for Alzheimer’s could be used in clinical practice.”
Challenging Existing Assumptions
The research also challenges conventional wisdom about dementia, specifically the notion that it disproportionately affects women. Lead author Professor Dag Aarsland of King’s College London noted that the study used a simple blood test to establish changes that contribute to cognitive impairment in those with dementia.
The Future of Alzheimer’s Treatment
While the current biomarker data only reflects existing brain changes and does not predict future dementia development, researchers are actively pursuing this next frontier. The focus is shifting towards integrating these tests into primary care, despite current cost and risk factors associated with existing treatments.
“This data is very interesting, strong and accurate, and is an important extension to what we know,” said Tara Spires-Jones, a professor of neurodegeneration at the University of Edinburgh. “Treatment are currently not available on the NHS because they’re so expensive and risky. But as these get better over the next few years it’s important that we can find people with amyloid in their brain using an easy test.”
Rising Dementia Rates and the Need for Preparedness
The study reveals a clear correlation between age and the prevalence of Alzheimer’s biomarkers: fewer than 8% of individuals in their 50s and 60s carry the marker, rising to over two-thirds of those aged 90+. With nearly 1 million people in the UK already living with dementia—a number projected to reach 1.4 million by 2040—these findings underscore the urgent need for healthcare preparedness. The financial implications for the NHS are substantial, given the current cost of potential treatments.
This study marks a turning point in understanding and addressing Alzheimer’s disease, moving from a reactive to a proactive approach. However, equitable access to early diagnosis and treatment remains a major challenge.
