Evaluation of Blood-Based Biomarkers and Remote Cognitive Assessment for Dementia Triage (SANDBOX)
The SANDBOX study is looking into new ways to help doctors diagnose dementia more quickly in NHS memory clinics across the UK. Often, people wait a long time for a diagnosis, which can delay getting the right care and treatment. This study will see if adding extra tests, like a blood test for specific proteins, a gene test for Alzheimer's risk, and a special thinking and memory assessment, can help doctors make a diagnosis sooner. These results are shared with your clinic doctor. If successful, this research could mean earlier diagnosis and better support for many people.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Dementia is a serious health concern in the UK, and getting a diagnosis can sometimes take a long time. This delay can mean people don't get the support and treatment they need as quickly as possible. The SANDBOX study is a research project happening in NHS memory clinics across the country. It aims to find out if providing doctors with some additional test results can help them diagnose dementia earlier. The hope is that this will improve how quickly people get a diagnosis and start receiving care.
The study looks at a few different types of tests that aren't usually available on the NHS right now. These include a blood test that can look for specific proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease, a genetic test that checks for a gene linked to Alzheimer's risk, and a special thinking and memory assessment that even looks at subtle changes in speech. All these test results are given to your memory clinic doctor to help them with your overall assessment.
By seeing if these extra tests make a difference, the SANDBOX study hopes to improve the diagnostic process for dementia throughout the UK. Taking part in this study is completely voluntary and will not affect your usual NHS care. It simply adds to it, helping to improve care for others in the future.
Key takeaways
- A study looking at new ways to diagnose dementia earlier.
- Aims to help people get support sooner.
- Involves extra blood tests and thinking assessments.
- Results shared with your memory clinic doctor.
- Participation is voluntary and won't affect your NHS care.
- Hope to improve dementia diagnosis across the UK.
Who may be eligible?
You might be able to take part in the SANDBOX study if you are 50 years old or older and have been referred to an NHS Memory Clinic by your GP. You also need to be able to understand the study information and agree to take part yourself. Please note that in Scotland, only people who can agree to take part themselves are eligible.
You should also live close enough to one of the study locations to attend appointments and be comfortable with having all the study tests, including blood tests and genetic testing. You cannot have already been diagnosed with dementia. If you have any serious problems with having blood taken or aren't comfortable speaking English, this study might not be suitable for you.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you aged 50 or over?
- Have you been referred to an NHS Memory Clinic by your GP?
- Can you understand the study information and agree to take part yourself (especially important for Scotland)?
- Are you comfortable with blood tests and genetic testing?
- Do you not have a previous diagnosis of dementia?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in the SANDBOX study, it will involve a few visits and tests that add to your usual NHS care. You'll have three main assessments. First, you'll have a blood test where a small amount of blood is taken (about three tablespoons), and also a finger-prick blood sample. These samples are used to look for specific proteins and genes linked to dementia.
Second, you'll do a thinking and memory test on a computer, which also includes a task where your speech is recorded. All the results from these tests will be shared with your memory clinic doctor. About 12 months later, you will have a follow-up assessment where some of the blood tests and thinking tests are repeated. The total duration of your participation will be around 12 months.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (12)
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Central and North West London NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- West London NHS TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Aneurin Bevan University Health Board Clinical Research CentreVerified postcodeNewport, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Bradford District Care Foundation TrustVerified postcodeBradford, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health BoardVerified postcodeBridgend, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Hywel Dda University Health BoardVerified postcodeLlanelli, United Kingdom· Active not recruiting
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeNewcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Cardiff and Vale University Health BoardVerified postcodePenarth, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeReading, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Swansea Bay University Health BoardVerified postcodeSwansea, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
Will taking part in SANDBOX change my NHS care?
No, taking part is completely voluntary and will not change or delay your usual NHS care. It simply adds extra information to help your doctor.
What kind of tests will I have?
You'll have a blood test to check for certain proteins and genes, and a computer-based thinking and memory test, which includes a speech task.
Will I get my test results?
All your test results will be shared with your memory clinic doctor to help with your diagnosis. If you have a genetic test, you'll be offered genetic counselling to discuss the results.
How long does the study last?
Your involvement in the study will be for about 12 months, including initial assessments and a follow-up a year later.
Who is funding this research?
The study is a research project investigating new diagnostic methods to help improve future dementia care in the NHS.
How to find out more
Victoria B Medina, MRes
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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