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The Times Features participant voices from READ-OUT study

We're pleased to share Anna Maxted's thoughtful feature in The Times, published yesterday: "The dementia patients who could change lives". Her story captures the personal experiences of volunteers participating in the DPUK READ-OUT study, part of the Blood Biomarker Challenge. We're grateful to Beverley Evans and Stephanie Everill for generously sharing their stories with The Times. Their willingness to share their personal experiences helps us in reaching a wider audience to talk about the valuable research we are doing to bring blood biomarkers for dementia into common usage within the NHS.

Here’s a summary:

Real People, Real Impact

The Times article powerfully captures why volunteers like Beverley and Stephanie choose to participate. Beverley, who has early-stage dementia, told The Times: "I want to take part and help in anything that will cure this, give an early diagnosis. Not for myself, but I don't want my kids to have it."

This sentiment reflects the generous spirit of all our research participants, who understand that whilst the research may not directly benefit them, it could transform the future for millions of others.

 

A Revolution in Accessibility
Currently, the most accurate dementia diagnosis requires invasive procedures like lumbar punctures or expensive PET scans. The READ-OUT study is working to change this by validating blood tests that could be as simple as a routine blood draw at your GP surgery.

The study spans 28 NHS memory clinics nationwide, deliberately including diverse communities to ensure the research benefits everyone. This commitment to inclusivity is central to DPUK's mission—ensuring that breakthrough treatments and diagnostic tools reach all communities affected by dementia.

 

Looking Ahead
The READ-OUT study is now in its crucial data-gathering phase, with participants providing blood samples and undergoing cognitive assessments. In the final two years, the team will run a clinical trial to explore how blood test results affect diagnosis, quality of life, and care pathways.

This research builds on DPUK's broader portfolio of translation work, including our Great Minds register of over 10,000 volunteers, our Trials Delivery Framework, and our commitment to accelerating the journey from laboratory discovery to real-world treatment.

 

Join the Movement
Behind every scientific breakthrough are real people making extraordinary contributions to research. If you're interested in joining our research community, visit our Great Minds register to learn more about participation opportunities.

Together, we're working towards a future where dementia can be diagnosed earlier, more accurately, and more accessibly than ever before.

Read the full Times article: "The dementia patients who could change lives" (18 August 2025)