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FAST has already recruited more than 2,150 participants and we are already getting valuable insights into people’s attitudes to brain health monitoring and testing.
The study is seeking to better understand the science of brain health, but is also exploring what is acceptable and meaningful to people who are most affected.
Participants’ insights
An assessment of the feedback from contributors so far shows a clear pattern in how different types of brain health assessments are perceived.
Notably, participants have tended to prefer simple and low burden approaches, such as blood tests and digital memory assessments, whether they are conducted in a clinic or at home. These have been consistently rated as more acceptable to more invasive procedures.
In contrast, procedures such as PET scans and lumbar punctures are viewed as less acceptable.
These contrasting reactions highlight the need to balance a clinical value with the participants’ experiences.
Alongside this, there is strong agreement about the importance of monitoring dementia risk in people over 50, with most participants rating it as either important or very important. This reflects a broad support for both earlier, and more proactive, brain health assessment.
What this means
Taken together, these findings suggest that while there is clear support for brain health monitoring, acceptability plays a critical role in how different approaches are perceived. Less invasive, more accessible methods are preferred, particularly when considering routine or repeated assessments.
Now recruiting in new locations
With new sites now open, FAST is expanding its reach and offering more people the opportunity to contribute to this important work. This expansion will help strengthen the evidence base and ensure findings reflect a broader population.
The recently opened sites include:
England:
- Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Doncaster (Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber (RDaSH) NHS Foundation Trust)
- Harrow (Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust)
- Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust
- South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
- Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
Scotland:
- Lothian NHS Board
- NHS Grampian, Aberdeen
- NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Board HQ
- NHS Highland
- NHS Tayside
There is a map showing where you can attend to participate in teh study: FAST Brain Health Study – Google My Maps
If you are interested in taking part or would like more information, please contact the FAST study team.