Blood Biomarkers for Early and Accurate Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease in Primary Care (NCT07401849) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Blood Biomarkers for Early and Accurate Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease in Primary Care
1,000 participantsStarted 2026-02
Plain-language summary
Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative condition affecting the brain and is the most common form of dementia in older adults. Dementia is currently a major healthcare issue in the UK, affecting approximately a million people. The progression of the disease varies between individuals and the early stages may be characterised by only minimal changes in memory and thinking. These changes could remain undetected as the symptoms may be mistakenly regarded as normal age-related forgetfulness. However, dementia is not part of the normal ageing process.
The underlying biological disease process of Alzheimer's is now known to start at least 20 years prior to patients showing any symptoms. A protein called amyloid starts to deposit in the brain and forms clumps referred to as 'plaques'. Another protein called tau collects inside brain cells and forms structures called 'tangles'. These biological changes can disrupt the normal functioning of brain cells and ultimately destroy them, leading to a reduction in brain volume and ability.
The aim of the BEAD-PC study is to assess whether a specific blood test in primary care can help diagnose Alzheimer's disease at an early stage.
Who can participate
Age range
55 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age 55 years and above
* Presence of self-reported symptoms indicative of cognitive decline or concerns family members/partners indicative of cognitive decline
* Capacity to consent
* Be fluent in and able to read and write in English and have adequate hearing and visual acuity to complete the required psychometric tests.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Insufficient vision and hearing
* Prior diagnosis of ADRD. Prior diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or related dementia (with or without evidence of pathology), through clinical diagnosis and/or as documented in their medical record
* Pre-existing diagnosis of dementia
* Incidental findings of brain pathologies on brain MRI, such as cancerous space occupying lesions and clinically significant vascular malformations and recent (within 12 months) macro-infarcts, that are, also exclusionary
* Contraindication for Lumbar Puncture
* Involvement in interventional research study within 3 months prior to screening
* For any other reason, in the opinion of the Investigator, participating in the study is not in the best interest of the patient.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Presence of Alzheimer-specific blood biomarkers
Timeframe: Day 1 (study entry)
2
Presence of Alzheimer-specific Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) biomarkers
Timeframe: Follow-up visit (around 6 months after study entry)