“Recruiting our 500th participant in our first year is terrific” says Prof Vanessa Raymont a co-lead for READ-OUT. “Our clinical sites in the NHS have done a great job in finding people willing to take part. It is an important study and we will ultimately have over 3,000 recruits drawn from diverse communities.”
Everyone taking part gives a blood sample and provides other information about their cognition. An additional study, run in parallel, will look at digital tests. The study aims to evaluate the accuracy of blood-based ‘biomarker’ tests for diagnosing dementia, as well as their effectiveness in diverse populations and their cost-effectiveness for the NHS.
The READ-OUT (REAl World Dementia OUTcomes) study is part of the Blood Biomarker Challenge – a multi- million pound initiative led by the Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer’s Research UK, supported by funds raised by players of People's Postcode Lottery, National Institute for Health and Care Research and Gates Ventures.
Alex McCreadie, 75, agreed to take part in READ-OUT after he was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). He was referred to the clinic in 2024 after he and his wife noticed increasing forgetfulness.
Originally from Scotland, Alex has lived in Bath for 26 years. After joining the Army at 17, he spent decades working in a demanding health and safety role within the mobile crane industry. He continues to stay active as a keen bowler and through socialising with friends and family. With 5 children, 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, there is plenty to keep him busy.
Alex McCreadie said: “I was eager to be a part of the Blood Biomarker Challenge. If sharing my experience helps people understand memory problems a bit better breaks down some of the stigma around getting a dementia diagnosis, then that can only be a good thing. –There is fear, shame, and misunderstanding that can stop people speaking openly or seeking help. Taking part might even encourage more research. Research is essential for improving diagnosis and finding better treatments. The more we understand, the better life will be for people like me who are living with this.”
Dr Tom Welsh, Research and Medical Director for ReMind UK, said: “Reaching our 500th participant marks a significant milestone for the study. We are enormously grateful to Alex, and to everyone who has taken part, for helping us build the evidence needed to enhance dementia diagnosis across the NHS."