Bristol charity exhibits early Alzheimer’s test to MPs and Lords

BRACE Dementia Research exhibited an early Alzheimer’s test develooped by the universities of Bristol and Bath at the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) Showcase event in Parliament on Tuesday 27 January.

Oliver Hermann, a BRACE-funded PhD student from the University of Bath, demonstrated the groundbreaking Fastball test to MPs and Lords including Lord Bethell, and representatives from other medical charities.

Fastball works by using EEG to measure a participant’s brainwaves while they watch flashing images.

The test can be conducted in as little as 2 minutes, and research suggests it can detect dementia up to 5 years before noticeable symptoms. Excitingly, in September 2025, research results showed the test could be reliably used in a home setting.

This could play a significant role in increasing dementia diagnosis rates. In England, there are 1 in 3 people living with dementia without a diagnosis.

Dr Zubir Ahmed MP, Minister for Health Innovation and Safety, and Rt Hon Kit Malthouse FCA MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Life Sciences, spoke about the vital role charities play in the UK research ecosystem, not only as major funders, but as trusted partners, catalysts for innovation, and champions of patients.

Charities like BRACE are significant funders of medical and health research in the UK. In 2024, AMRC members collectively invested £1.6 billion in UK research.

Oliver Hermann said:

“Having the opportunity to exhibit the Fastball test in Parliament at the AMRC Medical Research Charity Showcase is incredible, as it offers the chance for the test to be shown to MPs and policymakers who recognise the power of medical research and its impact on the greater good for society.

BRACE funding has made Fastball possible, and I hope it will one day be available for anyone seeking a dementia diagnosis.”

Liberty Harrison, Interim CEO at BRACE added:

“I am incredibly proud of the impact BRACE has on improved dementia diagnostics. Fastball shows how public generosity and charitable funding can drive innovation in research, advancing medical breakthroughs that can make a real difference to people’s lives.

Earlier and more reliable diagnostic tools offer researchers the chance to tackle dementia in its infancy, increase understanding of the dementia pathways, and support the development of treatments.”