Participants begin data collection with Kneu Health for UK dementia diagnosis study

The first participant has completed Kneu's digital cognitive assessments (DCA) as part of Dementias Platform UK's READ-OUT study. This is an important next stage in this landmark programme, which has already set up the groundwork for taking DCAs and blood tests from the research environment into the clinical setting to speed up dementia diagnosis in the NHS. 

READ-OUT (Real-world Dementia Outcomes) is part of the Blood Biomarker Challenge, a UK-wide programme funded by Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Postcode Lottery Players, the National Institute for Health and Care Research, and Gates Ventures to generate the evidence needed for dementia blood tests to be used in the NHS. Over its first three years, the study has been taking blood samples from around 3,000 people from diverse populations at multiple sites across the UK.

The DCA sub-study adds a digital angle to this project. By collecting DCA results alongside blood biomarker data from study participants, Kneu will establish the approach for how clinicians can use the two together in the clinic setting.

This is one of two projects supported by a £1.2 million UK Research and Innovation fund. The government's ambition is that by 2029, more than 92% of patients are diagnosed within 18 weeks of a doctor's referral.

"Digital cognitive assessments and blood tests each reveal part of the picture. This study will help us understand how they work together to give clinicians a clearer view of each person’s cognitive health. We’re excited to work with the study team to explore how these insights could improve access to diagnosis and treatment for people living with dementia. We’re grateful to everyone taking part and to the NHS teams making this work possible.”

Caroline Cake, CEO and Co-Founder of Kneu Health

Learn more about Kneu’s work to support patients with dementia.