Digital memory test and a blood sample will be used to identify early Alzheimer’s disease in a new research study. The study is looking for participants to sign up, and over a hundred healthcare centers are involved. The goal is to have at least 3,000 participants, but more are preferred for the study to be successful.
At least 3,000, and preferably more, participants are required for the study to be considered successful.
The REAL AD study is groundbreaking in its focus and scope. The University of Gothenburg and the Västra Götaland Region (VGR) are the principal investigators, representing a model region for Swedish healthcare. All of the hundred-plus care centers within VGR Närhälsan, one of Sweden’s largest primary care providers, are part of the study, along with additional sampling sites.
REAL AD is open to all individuals aged 50-80 who do not have a dementia diagnosis and can visit a care center within VGR.
Närhälsan. Any individual who meets the requirements can take part, regardless of their designated health center.
Home Tests for Memory and Cognitive Skills
The process begins with a digital study portal, accessible in Swedish, English, Finnish, and Arabic, where participants can access all the information about the study and receive clear instructions for the next steps. Initially, cognition, which includes memory and thinking skills, is assessed at home using digital tools for a period of three months. After that, participants are invited to provide a blood sample at any of the 111 sampling locations across VGR. Participants can complete the digital cognition tests.The study includes three extra rounds of testing at 18, 27, and 36 months, as well as a second blood sample at 18 months. The tests are efficient and can be completed in all four languages.
The project is overseen by Michael Schöll, a professor at Gothenburg University and a research group leader working closely with co-investigators and a team of project leaders.
– REAL AD is a highly ambitious project, and democratizing the study design has been a significant challenge. It needs to be inclusive of both urban and rural areas, accessible to as many participants as possible, and involve the entire VGR Närhälsan. This means that even the mostHealthcare facilities located in remote areas need to be able to participate in the handling and transportation of samples, according to the source. The main focus of the research is a neurochemistry laboratory, which is located at the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg and the Sahlgrenska University Hospital Mölndal. Professors Kaj Blennow and Henrik Zetterberg are leading the study, which will examine Alzheimer’s biomarkers in blood samples from participants. These biomarkers have been identified as early indicators of the disease. Additionally, a separateThe study will enroll a small number of randomly selected participants who will undergo thorough clinical examination at Sahlgrenska University Hospital to validate the results of digital cognition tests and blood analyses. The clinical aspect of the study is conducted at the university hospital’s memory clinic in collaboration with Professor and Senior Physician Silke Kern.
This research aims to build a knowledge base for healthcare and research. It focuses on the potential for early diagnosis using digital cognitive tests and blood markers. If successful, this combination of tools may detect early signs of disease.The goal is for these tools to be used in primary care settings to monitor individuals over time and detect Alzheimer’s earlier and more accurately than is currently possible.
“There is a widespread agreement on the need for earlier diagnosis, especially with new treatments on the horizon. Since many diagnoses are made in primary care in Sweden, there is a need to improve diagnostics there and determine if screening for Alzheimer’s in the general population is feasible. In the near future, it may not be feasible to establish numerous new specialized resources.”dementia and memory clinics,” Michael Schöll explains. The timing of the study is crucial as we are closer than ever to finding a treatment option for Alzheimer’s, but we are not fully prepared for it,” he adds. The study aims to enroll at least 3,000 participants but has the capacity for up to 10,000 volunteers. Information about the study is being provided through Närhälsan and various other marketing efforts. Due to research ethics, individual information cannot be shared with participants as experimental tools are used. Therefore, participants do not receive a cognitive rating or diagnosis.The participation is not paid. The opportunity involves joining a community that will provide updates on Alzheimer’s research and information meetings. Participating in the study also assists in preparing healthcare for a significant challenge, according to Michael Schöll.
