The REAL AD study, the first of its kind in scope and focus, is seeking participants aged 50-80 without a dementia diagnosis. The study, led by the University of Gothenburg and the Västra Götaland Region, aims to identify early signs of Alzheimer’s disease using a combination of digital cognitive tests and blood samples. Over 3,000 participants are needed for the study, which has the capacity to enroll up to 10,000 volunteers.
Participants will complete digital cognitive tests at home over three months and provide blood samples at one of 111 sampling points around the region. The tests are quick, can be completed in four languages, and do not require specialized equipment.
The researchers will analyze blood samples for Alzheimer’s biomarkers, which have shown to be early signs of the disease. A separate study will also be conducted on a smaller group of randomly selected participants who will undergo clinical examinations to confirm the results of the digital cognitive tests and blood analyses.
The study is important in light of new Alzheimer’s treatments on the horizon. Early diagnosis is crucial to optimize treatment outcomes. The researchers hope that if the combination of digital cognitive tests and blood markers proves effective in detecting early signs of Alzheimer’s, it can be used in primary care to follow individuals over time and identify the disease with greater certainty and much earlier than is often the case today.
Individuals interested in participating can access a digital study portal in Swedish, English, Finnish, or Arabic. Participation is unpaid, and individuals will not receive a cognitive rating or diagnosis. However, participants will be actively informed about the research’s progress and will contribute to preparing healthcare systems for the challenges posed by Alzheimer’s.
