New blood and saliva tests that diagnose dementia before symptoms even appear could be available on the NHS within four years, ministers say.
The government has awarded £5million to researchers to help develop improved ways of diagnosing the disease, boost the quality of life of people living with it and ease pressure on the health service.
It wants more than 92 per cent of patients diagnosed within 18 weeks of a doctor’s referral by 2029 – up from less than half currently (46.8 per cent).
Science minister Lord Vallance and health Minister Zubir Ahmed announced the funding on a visit to the UK Dementia Research Institute in Cambridge yesterday.
They set scientists the challenge of developing new dementia breakthroughs as part of the government’s Research and Development Missions Accelerator Programme.
Lord Vallance revealed he is ‘super excited’ and has a ‘real feeling of hope’, with scientists on ‘the cusp of an era’ of very early diagnosis, meaningful treatments – and potentially even a cure.
‘That I think is very different from a decade ago,’ he said.
Solutions could include ramping up work on blood tests that spot the build-up of proteins associated with dementia, or saliva analysis that notices hormone changes at the early stages of a fading memory.
Science minister Lord Vallance
Such breakthroughs would mark a significant shift from traditional tests, which rely on noticeable signs of decline, and could allow early treatment to help manage symptoms or slow progression through lifestyle changes.
Other potential solutions could see the development of AI-powered daily routine assistants, which work through smart speakers or tablet devices and learn the activities someone enjoys and their cognitive abilities – from suggesting brain training exercises, offering reminders for daily tasks, helping with simple cooking instructions or facilitating video calls with family.
One in four acute hospital beds in England are occupied by patients with dementia and officials say these tools will help more people get the care they need in the community, easing pressure on the NHS.
Lord Vallance said: ‘Few people in the UK will go through life untouched by the impact of dementia – whether through a personal diagnosis or in caring for, or coming to terms with, its effect on a loved one.
‘We must therefore grasp the opportunities that science and technology offers in getting people the early and effective diagnosis they need to continue living fulfilled lives while reducing the pressure on hospitals.
‘Whether it involves advanced blood tests or home AI tools and much more besides, we’re setting a clear, measurable and ambitious target, challenging researchers to drive forward potentially game-changing discoveries to transform the lives of people across our country while building an NHS fit for the future and growing our economy.’
One million people in the UK are living with dementia and this is expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040.
Health Minister Dr Zubir Ahmed said: ‘For too long, our health system has struggled to support those with complex needs, including the one million people living with dementia.
‘This ambitious challenge represents a crucial step forward in our mission to build an NHS fit for the future.
‘By harnessing the power of innovation to diagnose dementia faster and more accurately, we can ensure patients and their families get the support they need earlier, when it can make the greatest difference.
‘Together, we will transform how we approach dementia care and give millions of people the chance of a better quality of life.’
Professor Siddharthan Chandran, chief executive of the UK Dementia Research Institute, said: ‘As a practising neurologist, I see first-hand the devastating impact that a long delay for diagnosis can have on an individual and their family.
‘We’re now at an inflection point. The next five years will see a revolution in both therapeutics and diagnostics for dementia, and we’re already seeing the beginnings of that transformation today.
‘Precise, early diagnosis isn’t just about giving people information, it’s about giving them agency, choice, and crucially, access to emerging clinical trials and treatments that offer real hope to slow down or stop these conditions.
‘But we must ensure these advances reach all corners of society, through simple blood tests at the GP, digital assessments on your phone, and smart technology seamlessly woven into daily life.
‘The UK has, arguably, the greatest cluster of world-leading researchers in this space, working in some of the best universities in the world, in partnership with industry and our NHS.
‘This ambitious commitment will enable these brilliant scientists and clinicians to deliver the breakthroughs in tomorrow’s diagnostics that will transform the lives of people living with and at risk of dementia.’
Richard Oakley, associate director of research and innovation at Alzheimer’s Society, said: ‘Dementia is the leading cause of death in the UK and continues to devastate thousands of lives.
‘Yet more than a third of people with the condition don’t have a diagnosis, leaving them without access to vital support, care and treatments.
‘That’s why it’s so promising to see the Government taking steps to tackle the deep-rooted challenges in diagnosis.
‘By harnessing cutting-edge technology, research and innovation can lead us toward a brighter future where everyone has access to an early and accurate diagnosis and promising new treatments.’
Op-ed: Zubir Ahmed writes for the Daily Mail
By Zubir Ahmed
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health Innovation and SafetyÂ
Very few families in Britain have been untouched by dementia.
From the emotional impact of the initial diagnosis to the heartbreak of watching memories fade, the impact on the person and those around them is always devastating.
During my own 20 years as a doctor in the NHS, I have seen the clinical approach to dementia change. One from despondency that even if diagnosed it was futile to one where early diagnosis is seen as vital to change the dial on dementia.
Today, around one million people across the UK live with this cruel disease. It is a number expected to rise sharply by 2040.
But I believe hope is on the horizon.
This government is challenging our brilliant scientists, researchers and industry partners to revolutionise how we diagnose and treat dementia.
Our new Research & Development Missions Accelerator, backed by £5 million of initial funding, is already giving innovators the means to develop faster, simpler and more accurate ways to detect dementia early.
Imagine being able to spot the earliest signs through a simple blood or saliva test, years before symptoms take hold.
Or using AI-powered tools capable of learning daily routines and able to offer personalised reminders and cognitive support.
These innovations, driven by the ambitions of our 10 Year Health Plan, could help patients and families stay independent for longer, while easing pressure on the NHS.
More broadly, we will set a national standard for care and support for people with dementia to reduce inequalities and drive rapid improvements.
Our ambition is that by 2029, more than 92 per cent of people will receive a diagnosis within 18 weeks of referral.
This will give people more time to get the right support in place – improving their quality of life.
That’s why this investment is about more than technology.
It’s about compassion, prevention and giving people control over their destiny.
It’s about making sure the NHS of tomorrow is equipped to care for the generations to come, giving them dignity, purpose and connection.
It’s what we would want for ourselves and for all those we love and hold dear.
This government will do all it can to make that happen.