Breakthrough dementia test developed in Southampton featured by ITV News

Brainalyze were recently featured in an ITV News Meridian report highlighting a major milestone in dementia research.

Watch the video:

The report follows scientists at the University of Southampton, who have developed a new laser-based test capable of diagnosing dementia in just minutes from a single drop of blood. After a decade of research, the team has created a process that analyses the complete biochemical profile of a sample - offering a much faster, less invasive, and potentially more accurate alternative to current methods like lumbar punctures.

Early testing shows a 97% success rate, and the technology can even detect signs of dementia before symptoms appear. It could also identify what type of dementia a patient may develop—something that would drastically improve access to early treatment and long-term planning.

At Brainalyze, we’re proud to be supporting the development of this technology by helping researchers interpret and visualise complex data. Our work focuses on making these insights clear and accessible, so that this breakthrough can move from research labs to real-world settings like clinics and GP surgeries.

This research—part of the HOpE (Holistic Optical Biomarkers to Transform Dementia Diagnosis) project—is a testament to what long-term collaboration and innovation can achieve. We’re excited about what comes next and honoured to be playing a part in it.

Stay tuned as clinical trials progress and the technology moves closer to widespread use.