Researchers asked 425 adults over 50 about a new type of blood test that could predict dementia risk by looking at changes in DNA. About 82% of people said they’d be willing to take this test. People were most interested in tests that were accurate and fast. The study found that people who understood health information better were more likely to want the test, while those who relied heavily on doctors for decisions were less interested. The main concerns weren’t about embarrassment or judgment—instead, people worried about privacy, cost, and whether the test actually worked.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Would people be interested in taking a new blood test that could show if they’re at risk for dementia later in life?
  • Who participated: 425 adults aged 50 and older from a community survey, representing a mix of different backgrounds and education levels
  • Key finding: About 8 out of 10 people said they’d be willing to take the test. People who knew more about health topics and worried about dementia were most interested, while those who always wait for their doctor’s advice were less interested.
  • What it means for you: If this blood test becomes available, most people seem open to it—but doctors and companies offering it should focus on explaining how accurate it is, how quickly you get results, and how they’ll protect your privacy. This is still a hypothetical test, so don’t expect it to be available soon.

The Research Details

Researchers created a survey and asked 425 adults over age 50 about a hypothetical new blood test for dementia risk. The test would look at tiny changes in DNA that might predict future dementia. Participants answered questions about whether they’d want the test, what kind of test they’d prefer, what they’d do if they got a high-risk result, and why they might not want to take it.

The researchers used statistical methods to figure out which factors made people more or less likely to want the test. They looked at things like how much people understood about health, how worried they were about dementia, whether they trusted their doctors, and whether they’d heard about epigenetics (the science behind the test).

This was a snapshot study—researchers asked people once about their opinions rather than following them over time. The goal was to understand what regular people think about this new type of test before it’s actually offered to patients.

Understanding what people think about a new medical test before it’s widely available helps doctors and researchers design it in ways that actually work for patients. If people don’t want to take the test because they’re worried about privacy or cost, those are problems that need to be solved. This research gives real-world feedback that can shape how the test is offered and explained.

This study asked real people in the community rather than just medical professionals, which is good. However, it’s based on what people said they would do, not what they actually did—people sometimes say they’ll do things they don’t actually do. The study was a one-time survey, so we don’t know if people’s opinions would change over time. The results are most reliable for understanding general attitudes, but less reliable for predicting actual behavior.

What the Results Show

About 82% of the 425 adults surveyed said they would be willing to take the hypothetical dementia risk blood test. This is a strong majority, suggesting most people are open to this type of testing.

Three main factors influenced whether people wanted the test: First, people who understood health information better were about 2.6 times more likely to want it. Second, people who worried more about dementia were about 2 times more likely to want it. Third, people who relied heavily on their doctor to make health decisions were less likely to want it—about 38% less likely.

When asked what kind of test they preferred, most people wanted a combination approach: a blood test that measured both biological markers (changes in DNA) and cognitive function (memory and thinking skills) together. A test that only measured biological markers was less popular.

When asked what they’d do if they got a high-risk result, people said they’d most likely cut back on alcohol, then improve their diet, exercise more, and do more activities to keep their brain sharp. These are all things people already know help prevent dementia.

Regarding concerns, worry about getting a high-risk result and concerns about insurance were bigger issues than stigma or embarrassment. Interestingly, people who understood health information better were less worried about stigma, suggesting education helps reduce fear of judgment. People who knew more about epigenetics and those worried about dementia were more concerned about insurance issues.

For people who said they wouldn’t want the test, the main reasons were: worries about data privacy and whether the test actually works, practical issues like cost and logistics, and fear of needles. These reasons tell us what barriers need to be addressed to increase testing.

This is one of the first studies to ask regular people what they think about epigenetic testing for dementia risk. Previous research has looked at genetic testing for dementia risk, but this new type of test (epigenetic) is different because it looks at changes to DNA rather than the DNA sequence itself. The high willingness rate (82%) is similar to or higher than what researchers have found for other types of health risk testing, suggesting people are generally open to new preventive health tools.

The biggest limitation is that this study asked what people said they would do, not what they actually did. People often say they’ll do things they don’t follow through on. The study was also a snapshot in time—opinions might change as people learn more about the test. We don’t know if the 425 people surveyed represent all communities equally, so results might be different in other groups. Finally, since the test doesn’t actually exist yet, people were imagining what it would be like, which might not match reality.

The Bottom Line

If and when this type of blood test becomes available, it appears most people would be interested in taking it. To make it work well, companies and doctors should: (1) clearly explain how accurate the test is, (2) make results available quickly, (3) explain exactly how they’ll protect your privacy and data, and (4) discuss what you can actually do with the results. These recommendations are based on what people said they care about most. Confidence level: Moderate—this is what people say they want, but actual behavior might differ.

This matters most for people over 50 who are concerned about dementia risk or have family members with dementia. It also matters for doctors, hospitals, and companies developing these tests. People who don’t care much about dementia risk or who prefer to make health decisions only with their doctor might not find this test useful. This research doesn’t apply to people under 50 yet, since the study only included older adults.

This is important to understand: even if you took this test and got a high-risk result, the benefits of lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, reducing alcohol, brain activities) take months to years to show up. You wouldn’t see results overnight. Also, this test doesn’t exist yet in a widely available form, so there’s no timeline for when you could actually take it.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If this test becomes available and you take it, track your lifestyle changes weekly: (1) alcohol consumption (drinks per week), (2) exercise minutes per week, (3) diet quality (servings of vegetables daily), and (4) cognitive activities (puzzles, learning activities per week). This creates a baseline to measure progress.
  • Based on what people said they’d do after a high-risk result, the app could help users: set a goal to reduce alcohol by a specific amount, plan weekly exercise sessions, log daily meals to improve diet quality, and schedule brain-training activities. Start with one change, then add others gradually.
  • Create a long-term tracking dashboard that shows progress on the four main lifestyle areas over months and years. Include reminders for health check-ups and opportunities to discuss results with a doctor. Allow users to share progress with family members or healthcare providers if they choose.

This research describes what people say they would do regarding a hypothetical blood test for dementia risk—the test is not yet widely available. The findings are based on survey responses, not actual test results or outcomes. This information is educational and should not be considered medical advice. If you’re concerned about dementia risk, please speak with your doctor about what screening and prevention strategies are appropriate for you. Dementia risk is complex and involves many factors beyond what any single test can measure. Any future testing should be done under medical supervision with proper counseling about what results mean and what you can actually do about them.