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Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association
Published

Breaking barriers: Enhancing access to dementia clinical trials in the United Kingdom-Insights from the Scientific Advisory Board of the Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Goals Programme

Authors

Ruth M McKernan, James B Rowe, Sally John, Eric Karran, Helene A Fachim, Sara Imarisio, Raj Long, Charlotte Teunissen, Sarah P Slight, Catherine Mummery, John Hardy

Abstract

Alzheimers Dement. 2026 Jul;22(7):e71621. doi: 10.1002/alz.71621.

ABSTRACT

The Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Goals Programme was launched by the UK Government to accelerate the development and delivery of new treatments for dementia. We present the recommendations from the Scientific Advisory Board, to enable timely access to therapies for the wider population, reducing health system burden while improving patient outcomes. The recommendations focus on three areas: (i) establishing a new dynamic national patient registry for clinical trial recruitment; (ii) the use of biomarkers to improve early and accurate diagnosis; and (iii) a framework for end-to-end implementation across the landscape of healthcare, research and regulators. A Brain Aging Registry for Biomarkers, Access to trials, Research and Adoption would support recruitment, monitoring, and personalized care. Embedding digital and biomarker innovations into routine care would improve personalized and equitable dementia services, with earlier diagnosis and more effective prevention. Robust patient and public involvement is required, to ensure transparency, trustworthiness, and meaningful participation.

PMID:42402014 | DOI:10.1002/alz.71621

UK DRI Authors

Prof Sir John Hardy

Group Leader

Harnessing genetics to build a better understanding of dementia

Prof Sir John Hardy