Clinical trials

Dementia is a leading cause of death in the UK, and long waits for diagnosis can delay access to care and treatment. The SANDBOX study is a research study in NHS Memory Clinics investigating whether providing clinicians with additional test results could help them diagnose dementia earlier. Adults aged 50 or over who have been referred to a Memory Clinic by their GP may be invited to take part. Taking part is voluntary and will not affect a participant's care. Participation adds to their NHS care and does not replace or delay it. Participants complete three assessments: a blood test that measures two proteins which can indicate whether Alzheimer's-related changes may be happening in the brain (not currently available on the NHS); a genetic test for the APOE gene, which influences Alzheimer's risk; and a cognitive assessment of memory and thinking that includes a recorded speech task analysed for subtle language changes. All results are shared with the participant's clinician. This research will help determine whether this approach can support earlier dementia diagnosis and improve care for patients across the UK.