How gut test at GP's could detect signs of dementia

By CLAIRE ELLIOT FOR THE SCOTTISH DAILY MAIL Published: 21:01, 20 April 2026 | Updated: 21:08, 20 April 2026 Scots scientists have made a major breakthrough in detecting signs of dementia and other major illnesses years before symptoms occur – by testing the gut. The research found that abnormalities in gastrointestinal tissue could predict diseases including non-Alzheimer’s dementia, Parkinson’s and motor neurone disease (MND)long before a patient begins suffering the neurological effects. Experts are now hopeful that the study, carried out at the University of Aberdeen, could lead to routine tests being introduced at GP appointments, paving the way for ‘early diagnosis and prevention’. Famous Scots affected by the illnesses include rugby legend Doddie Weir, who lost his life to MND in 2022, and Lady Helen Stewart, wife of Formula One champion Sir Jackie Stewart, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2014. The study, involving experts from the university, NHS Grampian and NHS Highland, found that ‘gut biopsies’ can predict a person’s risk of developing the illnesses at least seven years in advance by detecting ‘misfolded’ proteins –which have failed to achieve their correct shape and are also linked to neurodegenerative diseases. Lead author Jenna Gregory, Clinical Professor of Pathology at the University of Aberdeen, said: ‘We are seeing clear evidence that the same pathological protein changes that occur in several neurodegenerative diseases can occur in the gut many years earlier than we previously recognised. Scots scientists have made a major breakthrough in detecting signs of dementia and other major illnesses years before symptoms present themself with a gut test  ‘These conditions have long been diagnosed too late. ‘This approach could shift the focus from reaction to early detection and disease prevention.’ Researchers analysed archival biopsies from 196 people aged over 60 who had unexplained digestive symptoms but no diagnosed neurological disease at the time. They were followed for 13 to 15 years to track the development of neurodegenerative conditions. Assessing three key proteins associated with neurodegeneration, scientists found evidence of protein misfolding in the gut in 60 per cent of cases. And those who had these protein abnormalities were found to be significantly more likely to develop non-Alzheimer’s dementias or conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, with the gut biomarker showing more than an 80 per cent sensitivity in predicting disease. The presence of multiple protein markers was linked to poorer survival outcomes. Experts hope the findings, published in the journal Gastroenterology and funded by Target ALS, LifeArc and NHS Grampian Charity, will lead to new screening strategies and support the development of prevention- focused clinical trials. They also hope that if validated in larger studies, gut-based biomarkers ‘could become a widely accessible tool for identifying at-risk individuals and monitoring treatment response’. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.