Alzheimer's Disease Clinical Trials in the UK (2026)
Alzheimer's disease affects an estimated 900,000 people in the UK. Following the landmark approval of lecanemab and donanemab — anti-amyloid therapies that slow cognitive decline — the field has entered a new era. The UK approval of these treatments via the NHS is being evaluated, and clinical trials continue to test next-generation therapies across all disease stages. This guide covers Alzheimer's trials currently recruiting in the UK.
Major Research Areas
Second-generation antibodies (remternetug, bapineuzumab successors) are tested for improved efficacy and reduced ARIA (brain swelling/bleeding) side effects. Trials explore subcutaneous formulations and combination approaches. Some studies target prevention in pre-symptomatic amyloid-positive individuals.
Following early positive signals, tau-targeting antibodies and small molecules are in Phase 2/3 trials. These therapies aim to prevent tau aggregation or clear existing tau tangles. Tau-PET imaging is used as a key outcome biomarker in UK studies.
APOE4 is the strongest genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's. CRISPR-based gene editing, antisense oligonucleotides, and APOE-modifying antibodies are being tested in early-stage trials, primarily for APOE4 carriers.
Major UK-led trials test whether early intervention in people with amyloid pathology but normal cognition can delay or prevent symptom onset. These involve community screening, biomarker testing, and investigational treatments in pre-symptomatic populations.
Disease Stages and Trial Eligibility
- Preclinical / Cognitively Unimpaired — Requires amyloid PET or CSF biomarkers. Trials can last 3-5 years and measure amyloid clearance and cognitive trajectory
- Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer's — Objective cognitive decline but preserved function. The most common trial target for disease-modifying therapies
- Mild Alzheimer's Dementia — Cognitive impairment with functional impact. Most Phase 3 disease-modifying trials recruit this stage
- Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's — Trials focus on symptomatic treatments, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and care-related outcomes
Key Biomarker Requirements
- Amyloid positivity — Confirmed by amyloid PET scan or CSF analysis (Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio). Required for nearly all disease-modifying trials
- Tau pathology — Tau PET or CSF p-tau181/p-tau217. Some trials require specific tau Braak staging
- APOE genotyping — ARIA risk differs substantially by APOE4 status, affecting eligibility and dosing
- Neurofilament light chain (NfL) — Emerging plasma biomarker for neurodegeneration, used in exploratory endpoints
Important: Alzheimer's prevention trials are expanding in the UK. If you have a family history of Alzheimer's or are an APOE4 carrier, you may be eligible for studies before any symptoms appear. Our Smart Matcher helps find the right study for your disease stage.
UK Trial Locations
The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) network spans multiple centres:
- London — UCL Queen Square, King's College London, Imperial College
- Cambridge — Cambridge University Hospitals, MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit
- Manchester — Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre
- Edinburgh — Anne Rowling Clinic, UK DRI at Edinburgh
- Cardiff — Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre
- Oxford — Oxford University Department of Psychiatry
What Participation Involves
- Cognitive assessments (MMSE, MoCA, CDR-SB) at each visit
- MRI scans for safety monitoring — particularly for ARIA in anti-amyloid trials
- PET scans or lumbar punctures for biomarker confirmation (some trials)
- Regular blood tests including plasma biomarker monitoring
- Study partner involvement — a family member or friend who can provide collateral information
- Infusion clinic visits for antibody therapies (typically monthly)
Find Your Matching Trials
Tell us about your Alzheimer's stage, biomarker status, and location. We'll find the most relevant trials near you.
Find My Matching Trials →Browse Alzheimer's Trials Search All Trials