The milestone was reached at ReMind UK in Bath, one of 33 recruitment sites supporting the READ-OUT (REAl World Dementia OUTcomes) study, which is co-led by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust (OHFT) Director of Research and Development, Professor Vanessa Raymont.

READ-OUT is investigating whether blood-based biomarkers can be used alongside existing NHS memory clinic assessments to improve the accuracy and speed of diagnosing the diseases that cause dementia. The study forms part of the Blood Biomarker Challenge a multi-million-pound initiative led by Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer’s Research UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), Gates Ventures and players of People’s Postcode Lottery aiming to bring dementia blood tests into routine NHS care by 2029.

Bob Crampton, 75, from Bath, became the study’s 1,000th participant. Diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2023, he volunteered to support research that could improve diagnosis for future patients.

Bob said:

Bob Crampton

“I was very keen to take part in the READ-OUT study, and it is encouraging to see so many people from across the UK also choosing to get involved. I am certainly proud to be the 1000th participant.

“If sharing my experience can help improve understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and support scientific progress, then I feel I’ve done my part.”

Participants provide a blood sample and information about their cognitive health, helping researchers assess whether blood tests can reliably identify different forms of dementia across the broad range of people seen in NHS memory clinics.

Oxford Health is playing a leading role in the study and was among the first sites to recruit participants. Through its research teams, the Trust is helping generate evidence on how blood biomarker testing could be introduced into routine dementia care across the NHS.

Professor Vanessa Raymont, Director of Research and Development at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and Dementias Platform UK and co-lead of the READ-OUT study, said:

Professor Vanessa Raymont

“Reaching our 1,000th participant is an important milestone and a reflection of the commitment shown by volunteers, researchers and clinical teams across the UK.

“We are extremely grateful to Bob and everyone who has taken part. Their contribution is helping us determine whether blood tests can support faster and more accurate dementia diagnosis in NHS settings.

“Oxford Health is proud to play a leading role in this research. Every participant brings us closer to generating the evidence needed to support future diagnostic approaches and improve care for people living with dementia and their families.”

More than 3,000 people are expected to take part in READ-OUT across 33 sites nationwide. The study comes at an important time for dementia research, with growing interest in diagnostic tools that could help people access support and potential treatments earlier.

For more information about READ-OUT contact us: memory.research@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk