Study Finds Widespread Alzheimer’s-Linked Brain Changes Among Older Adults in UK

Study Finds Widespread Alzheimer’s-Linked Brain Changes Among Older Adults in UK
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Around one in 10 people in the UK aged 70 and over may show Alzheimer’s-related changes in their brain, according to new population-based research reported by The Guardian. The study offers the clearest real-world estimate to date of how common these biological markers are among older adults.

The presence of these proteins does not amount to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. However, researchers say the findings suggest that more than one million people over 70 could meet current clinical criteria set by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for anti-amyloid treatments. This figure is far higher than previous NHS estimates of around 70,000 potential patients if funding were available.

The research, led by scientists from King’s College London in collaboration with institutions in Norway and Sweden, used a simple blood test known as p-tau217, which was recently approved by regulators. The test can detect Alzheimer’s-related brain changes earlier than existing methods. Data was drawn from nearly 11,500 randomly selected individuals, making it the first large-scale study to reflect the general population rather than clinic-based samples.

Experts say the findings could transform understanding of dementia and challenge assumptions, including the belief that the condition mainly affects women. Researchers also highlighted the potential for earlier and more accurate diagnosis, though the study does not predict who will go on to develop dementia.

The authors stressed that while treatments are not yet widely available through the NHS due to cost and risk, improving therapies may increase the importance of accessible testing. Currently, about one million people in the UK live with dementia, a figure projected to rise significantly in the coming decades.