Around one in 10 people in the UK aged 70 and over may have brain changes linked to Alzheimer’s disease, according to a large population-based study published in Nature. The findings are not a diagnosis but suggest more than 1 million people could meet NHS criteria for anti-amyloid treatments, far above previous estimates.
Researchers analysed blood samples from nearly 11,500 people using a newly approved biomarker test that can detect Alzheimer’s changes earlier than before. The prevalence of these changes rose sharply with age, reaching about two-thirds of people over 90.
Experts say the results could transform early detection, but warn the NHS could not currently afford to treat everyone who might benefit, as existing drugs are expensive and carry risks.
