A groundbreaking online test designed to detect dementia risk years before symptoms appear is set to transform NHS care. The UK’s leading Alzheimer’s prevention charity has secured government funding to roll out the test nationwide.

Government-backed initiative

Foodforthebrain.org, a UK Alzheimer’s prevention charity, has been selected by Innovate UK, the government’s research and innovation agency, to develop and implement a reliable test for identifying individuals at risk of dementia. The goal is to pinpoint markers indicating future dementia risk before symptoms appear, enabling early preventive action.

Dementia affects nearly one million people in the UK and costs the NHS and society over £26 billion annually in care and support, according to Alzheimer’s Research UK. The number of cases is projected to exceed 1 million by 2040 if current trends continue. Early detection tools like this test could significantly ease the burden on health services and families.

The NHS already aims for two-thirds of those estimated to have dementia to receive a formal diagnosis, a target first achieved in 2015. Despite this, around 169,500 people with diagnosed dementia live in care homes, underscoring the ongoing demand for support.

Limitations of current tests

Existing tests typically confirm the onset of dementia but do not predict who will develop it, limiting opportunities for early prevention. Research shows that dementia risk can be reduced by up to 73% through modifiable factors.

A UK Biobank study published in Nature Human Behaviour in 2023 analysed data from 344,324 participants over 15 years and identified 210 modifiable risk factors. These range from lifestyle choices, such as diet and exercise, to managing conditions like hypertension and depression. Smoking and physical inactivity were found to be particularly influential, highlighting the importance of public health interventions.

The cognitive function test

Foodforthebrain.org’s free online Cognitive Function Test has been completed by over 200,000 people. The test:

• Differentiates between normal ageing and early patterns of cognitive decline.
• Assesses thinking speed, memory, recognition, and decision-making.
• Can be taken at home or in clinics using standard web browsers.

The broader COGNITION programme has supported more than 409,996 individuals, providing personalised advice on brain-healthy diets rich in omega-3s and B vitamins, as well as lifestyle adjustments to reduce dementia risk.

Data from the programme show that cognitive function and memory decline steadily from age 18, more sharply in men. Women experience an accelerated decline around age 50, coinciding with menopause. These findings highlight the need for gender-specific prevention strategies.

Integration with NHS memory clinics

As part of the READ-OUT (REAl-world Dementia OUTcomes) study, led by the University of Oxford and funded through Innovate UK’s Blood Biomarker Challenge, the Cognitive Function Test will be trialled in NHS memory clinics. The study will engage participants from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds to ensure research and prevention strategies are inclusive.

Key elements of the trial include:

• Nearly 4,000 participants from 28 NHS memory clinics.
• Evaluation of multiple blood-based biomarkers alongside digital tools.
• Identification of cost-effective and effective diagnostics for early detection of Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, and other forms of dementia.

The trial builds on the government’s Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Goals programme, which supports innovations in biomarkers and clinical trials. Early diagnosis is increasingly critical as new disease-modifying treatments emerge, which are effective only in the initial stages of dementia.

Expert statements

Dr Cynthia Bullock, Director of Healthy Lives at Innovate UK, said: “Digital cognitive assessments have the potential to transform how we detect and diagnose dementia, making it faster, more accurate, and accessible to more people. By supporting these projects, we’re not only driving innovation into NHS settings, but also helping reduce long-term care costs and improve outcomes for patients and families across the UK.”

Emma George, CEO of the Food for the Brain Foundation, added: “This project marks a step-change in how we approach dementia. With Innovate UK’s support, we can validate the Cognitive Function Test within the NHS and move closer to a future where true prevention, by protecting brain health, is routine and accessible to all.”

Take action

The charity encourages those concerned about cognitive health to take early action.

A new online test aims to identify dementia risk early so people can take preventive steps long before symptoms appear.