Glasgow clinic launches Alzheimer’s detection test
NeuroClin – formerly known as Glasgow Memory Clinic – has partnered with Advance Tests to launch Scotland’s first commercially available blood biomarker test for early Alzheimer’s detection.
Designed for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) – subtle problems with memory and thinking – the LucentAD Complete test helps determine whether these symptoms are likely due to Alzheimer’s.
Dementia affects more than 90,000 people in Scotland and nearly one million across the UK each year.
Early diagnosis is becoming increasingly important following the recent UK approval of new disease-modifying drugs lecanemab and donanemab.
“We know that changes in the brain linked to Alzheimer’s begin years before symptoms appear,” said Dr Jennifer Lynch, medical director at NeuroClin.
“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.”
The launch marks the first time a clinically validated blood test for Alzheimer’s has been available in Scotland outside a research trial setting, following national NHS trials exploring single-marker biomarker tests.
This new version uses a multi-marker approach and is now commercially available.
Developed by Lucent Diagnostics, the test is already widely used across the US, supported by multiple peer-reviewed studies and now covered by the Medicare system.
At NeuroClin, the new blood biomarker test will form part of a staged diagnostic pathway beginning with memory testing, followed by the blood test, genetic testing and specialist support where appropriate.
Dr Simon Worrell, chief medical officer at Advance Tests, said: “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.”
