Ageing & Dementia · 2 min read · 6 November 2026 · Jagdish Yadav, Senior Occupational Therapist

Dementia Research Roundup: A Blood Test, 48 New Risk Genes and Brain Health Clinics

Illustration of a head silhouette with forget-me-not flowers growing inside, beside a blood drop and a DNA strand

Dementia headlines can be hard to read. Here is what happened in dementia research over the last two weeks, and what it means for families.

An Alzheimer's blood test that looks ahead

A JAMA study of 2,684 older adults without memory problems measured a blood protein called p-tau217. People with very high levels had an estimated 38% chance of memory and thinking problems within five years, and 78% within ten.

For now: this is a research tool, not a screening test for healthy people.

48 new Alzheimer's risk genes

The largest genetic study yet, of about 2.8 million people and published in Nature, found 48 new DNA regions linked to Alzheimer's. Many point to the brain's immune cells.

For now: this helps scientists find new drug targets. It isn't a reason to get a genetic test.

Helping the brain clear waste

A small Finnish study of 29 healthy adults found that a blood pressure medicine combined with whole-body vibration helped clear dementia-linked proteins from the brain.

For now: this is very early research, with no proven benefit for memory yet.

£20 million for brain health clinics

The University of Exeter will lead ten new UK brain health clinics that use AI to spot early signs of dementia before symptoms appear. The first are expected to open in 2029.

What families can do today

Notice memory changes? See your GP. Some causes are treatable.
Stay active and socially connected, look after your hearing and manage blood pressure.
Want to help research? Register with Join Dementia Research (UK) or ask the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

Dementia: A Way Ahead

A practical guide for families and carers on understanding and living well with dementia.

View on Amazon ↗

This article is for general information only and does not replace advice from a qualified health or care professional.

Sources: JAMA (2026), Mass General Brigham · Nature, 28 Oct 2026, Psychiatric Genomics Consortium · Nature Communications, 3 Nov 2026, University of Oulu · University of Exeter, 6 Nov 2026

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