Blood testing for Alzheimer's to be closer to reality for more Australians under proposed trial
Australian Dementia Network
2 April 2026
More Australians will be a step closer towards earlier and more effective diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) under a proposed plan by the Australian Dementia Network (ADNeT).
Utilising its established networks of GPs across three states, ADNeT intends on combining digital cognitive tests and blood tests (pTau217 AD) for a large-scale study of people at risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Dementia is one of Australia’s greatest public health and economic challenges with more than 400,000 Australians living with dementia and it is estimated to cost Australia about $18.7 billion in 2025.
It is the leading cause of death in Australia and about three quarters of people with dementia have Alzheimer’s disease.
Those showing signs of, or being at risk of, Alzheimer’s Disease in the pilot will be directed to Brain Health Clinics or conventional specialist memory clinics for expert diagnosis and early treatment.
The pilot will mean earlier diagnosis, more effective treatment, delaying severe dementia and increasing time at home for people with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Current testing shows signs of Alzheimer’s Disease can be detected in the brain up to 20 years before symptoms emerge.
ADNeT Director, Professor Christopher Rowe MD FRACP, who has more than two decades of experience in dementia research, said the pilot aims to take advantage of new testing becoming available over the coming months.
“There are currently a small number of locations in Australia using blood tests to rule out Alzheimer’s with more accurate tests expected to be available later in the year,” he said.
“This pilot brings forward the opportunity to one day have the combination of cognitive and blood testing available to Australians across the country.
“This would have transformative benefits for our society with earlier diagnosis and intervention leading to people at risk of or with early onset Alzheimer’s leading happier, more productive and fulfilling lives.
“It also has the potential to save the Australian Government billions of dollars in healthcare costs.”
The proposed cost of the trial, which is included in ADNeT’s pre-Budget submission, for the Australian Government is $6 million over 5 years.
Professor Rowe said the new blood testing has the potential to greatly improve diagnosis level outside of metropolitan areas.
“With current wait times outside of Melbourne and Sydney for dementia diagnosis and treatment exceeding 12 months, there is a desperate need for greater support for patients,” he said.
“The impact of Alzheimer’s is higher in rural, regional, indigenous and culturally diverse communities due to longer delays in diagnosis and difficulty accessing treatment.”
The Australian Dementia Network (ADNeT) is a national collaboration of leading Australian clinicians and researchers from across 24 institutions focused on improving dementia diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
For more information, go to https://www.australiandementianetwork.org.au/.
Media: Dale Amtsberg [email protected] 0422 002 720