Scientists develop blood test for Alzheimer’s disease

Scientists say test could replace a costly brain scan or painful lumbar puncture and enable earlier detection of disease

Scientists have developed a blood test to diagnose Alzheimer's disease without the need for expensive brain imaging or a painful lumbar puncture, where a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is drawn from the lower back. If validated, the test could enable faster diagnosis of the disease, meaning therapies could be initiated earlier.

Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, but diagnosis remains challenging - particularly during the earlier stages of the disease.