Published Monday, 15 September 2025 – Issue #1
Research into dementia and Alzheimer’s disease moves fast. As a former caregiver, I know how unsure I felt about what these new findings really mean for your loved one. That’s why I created Memory Matters Weekly, a quick read with insights that actually matter to caregivers.
3 Quick Bites: This Week in Dementia News
1. Could a Simple Blood Test Change How We Diagnose Alzheimer’s?
The Guardian – 10 Sept 2025 Read it here
A large UK study called ADAPT is testing whether a £100 blood test detecting the protein p-tau217 can help diagnose Alzheimer’s early, without expensive scans or invasive lumbar punctures. It’s now recruiting 1,100 people across 20 NHS memory clinics.
Why it matters:
If successful, this could help doctors spot dementia earlier, giving families more time to plan and improve access to early-stage treatments.
Limitations to watch:
It’s still in trials and wouldn’t be used on its own, just alongside existing memory assessments.
Reflection:
I remember how long and unclear the diagnosis process felt. If this test works, it might help families get answers faster, especially when loved ones hesitate to seek help.
Funded by: Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, People’s Postcode Lottery.
2. The Fastball EEG Test: Just 3 Minutes to Detect Memory Issues
The Conversation – 8 Sept 2025 Read it here
This new “Fastball” test uses a simple EEG headset while the person views a stream of images. It takes just 3 minutes and doesn’t rely on verbal or written responses.
Why it matters:
It’s quick, non-invasive, and can be done at home or in a GP clinic. It may spot early changes that standard memory tests miss.
Limitations to watch:
It’s early-stage research with a small sample size and not yet approved for clinical use.
Reflections
A non-verbal, stress-free test like this could make a real difference. It hints at a future where early signs are easier to catch, especially for people who don’t fit the typical picture of dementia. It’s an interesting one for breaking down cultural barriers.
Supported by: Academy of Medical Sciences, dementia charity BRACE.
3. How Air Pollution Might Be Linked to Alzheimer’s
The Independent – 8 Sept 2025 Read it here
Researchers studied over 600 Alzheimer’s brain samples from the Penn Medicine Brain Bank. They found that people from areas with high air pollution had more brain damage from amyloid and tau buildup and faster cognitive decline.
Why it matters:
This adds to growing evidence that environmental factors like air pollution may worsen dementia progression.
Limitations:
It’s observational, not proof of cause. It couldn’t take account of second-hand smoke or workplace chemical exposure.
Reflection:
I wouldn’t rush out to buy an air purifier based on this alone. But it’s a good reminder that things like open windows, reducing smoke indoors, and green spaces still matter.
Funded by: US National Institutes of Health and Environmental Health Sciences.
Why I Share These Stories
I know how hard it is to stay hopeful when research headlines feel far removed from daily life. That’s why I look for stories that show not just the science, but what it might mean, now or in the future for caregivers.
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This is your weekly dose of dementia research, in plain English, for caregivers.
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Kat @dementiawho