A FINGER prick test could change dementia diagnosis, but it also exposes the gap that comes next, says the boss of a local care group.

New developments in Alzheimer’s testing, including finger prick sampling and blood test research, suggest diagnosis could become quicker and more accessible in the coming years.

That is welcome progress. But earlier diagnosis only helps if people and families get the right support afterwards.

In 2024, Devon’s dementia diagnosis rate was 56 to 58 per cent, compared with a national average of 63 per cent, meaning many people are still living with dementia without a formal diagnosis. (Figures are from Devon County Council’s dementia diagnostic rate data).

At the same time, Devon has one of the highest dementia prevalence rates in the UK, according to Alzheimer’s Research UK.

If earlier blood testing becomes more widely available, more people could be identified sooner, increasing demand for practical post diagnosis support.

Recent announcements of breakthrough diagnostic tools for Alzheimer’s disease, including a new finger prick test and research linked with University College London Hospitals (UCLH), represent significant advances in early dementia detection.

The UCLH research, led by Professor Jonathan Schott, points to a future where dementia could be diagnosed earlier than is currently typical.

While this progress is important, it raises an essential question: how will people in Devon be supported after an earlier diagnosis, particularly in the early stages?

But the Ness Care Group is addressing this gap by establishing Dementia Memory Hubs across Devon.

The hubs already operate in Teignmouth, Exmouth and Chudleigh, with a new hub near Newton Abbot planned.

They provide structured, evidence-based sessions that support thinking skills, communication and everyday confidence and independence.

‘A finger prick test could change dementia diagnosis, but it also exposes the gap that comes next’, said Jonathan Hanbury, CEO & Clinical Lead at The Ness Care Group.

‘Memory services are already stretched and we need better, more accessible support for people living with memory changes and the families around them’, Jonathan added.

Activities at Ness Care include language, memory and problem-solving tasks informed by research including work linked with Queen Mary University of London and UCLH.

The team tracks progress over time, so individuals and families can see what is changing and where support is helping.

Jonathan Hanbury founded The Ness in 2017 to transform how dementia is understood and treated in the UK.

With 20 years’ experience in the NHS as a clinical nurse and senior NHS leader, he saw first-hand the lack of expert support and choice available to families.

Inspired by pioneering dementia care in Holland, Jonathan set out to bring that vision to the UK.

He is dedicated to advancing cognitive health and reshaping dementia care through both technology and service innovation.

Jonathan said: ‘Dementia is a complex, long-term condition that cannot be solved by doctors or hospitals alone.

‘It must be met within the community—by people committed to challenging perceptions and driving change.

‘At The Ness, we are determined to make that difference’.