Blood test could revolutionise diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, experts say

The blood test study’s findings were hailed as a ‘hugely welcome step in the right direction’. Photograph: Simon Dawson/PA

The possibility of simple blood tests to help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease faster has been given a boost after researchers revealed evidence that they can rival costly brain scans or painful lumbar punctures for accuracy.

Recent studies have brought the possibility of reliable blood tests for dementia closer to becoming a reality. A £5m project was launched by researchers in the UK last year with the goal of enabling people to be diagnosed in seconds on the NHS within five years.