NeuroClin, formerly known as Glasgow Memory Clinic, has become the first in Scotland to introduce a commercially available blood biomarker test for the early detection of Alzheimer’s.
In partnership with Advance Tests, the clinic is now offering the LucentAD Complete test, designed to help identify whether symptoms of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) may be linked to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Dementia affects more than 90,000 people in Scotland and nearly one million across the UK each year, with early diagnosis is more important than ever, due to the availability now of disease-modifying drugs, lecanemab and donanemab, which were recently approved by the UK regulator.
The launch marks the first time a clinically validated blood test for Alzheimer’s is available in Scotland, outside of a research trial setting, and comes after recent widespread national coverage of NHS clinical trials exploring single-marker biomarker tests.
The test, developed by Lucent Diagnostics, is already in widespread use across the United States, supported by multiple peer-reviewed studies and now covered by the Medicare system.
At NeuroClin, this new development will now form part of a staged diagnostic pathway beginning with memory testing followed by the blood biomarker test, genetic testing and specialist support where appropriate.
Dr Jennifer Lynch, medical director at NeuroClin, commented: “We know that changes in the brain linked to Alzheimer’s begin years before symptoms appear.
“This new blood biomarker test helps us detect potential Alzheimer’s earlier, giving people access to lifestyle advice, and access to new disease modifying treatments or research opportunities.“
Dr Simon Worrell, chief medical officer at Advance Tests, explained: “Bringing this diagnostic test to Scotland for the first time is a major milestone – not just for Advance Tests, but for patients and clinicians across the country.
“We are witnessing a rare and important moment in health innovation, where breakthroughs in diagnostics are aligned with breakthroughs in treatment.
“With newly approved drugs now available, and growing evidence that early lifestyle changes can delay progression, early diagnosis has never been more valuable.“
Henry Simmons, chief executive at Alzheimer’s Scotland, added: “While we wish blood biomarker tests were routinely available on the NHS, this is not yet the case.
“We welcome NeuroClin taking the lead in offering this service in Scotland, as earlier diagnosis can help people and families get answers sooner, plan ahead and access the right support and emerging treatments.”