PEOPLE in northern and central Scotland suspected of having Alzheimer’s can now get a blood test for the condition through their GP, as part of a new “landmark” study.

Over 50 GPs across the regions have joined the Bringing Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarkers to General Practice (BriDGe) study, led by Scottish Brain Sciences, aimed at examining how new blood tests can speed up diagnosis and treatment.

Researchers hope up to 500 patients will take the test to identify the p-tau181 and p-tau217 proteins closely associated with Alzheimer’s, in what will be the largest study of its kind ever undertaken in Britain.

One Edinburgh GP taking part, Dr Sheelagh Harwell, said: “The BriDGe study heralds an exciting time in general practice as new diagnostic blood tests become available.

“An earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can aid patients with lifestyle modifications, allow them to access support sooner, and plan ahead.”

Chief investigator of the BriDGe project, Professor Craig Ritchie said: “By partnering with 50 GPs and up to 500 patients, BriDGe will show how these tests could transform the way we detect, diagnose and ultimately treat Alzheimer’s disease.”