[June 11th 2026] Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) today announced the start of a new programme to assess how blood tests may help support the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. This development further strengthens TUH’s role as a national referral centre for Alzheimer’s disease biomarker testing.
The National Neurochemistry Laboratory at TUH currently provides specialist biomarker analysis to 12 hospitals nationwide, processing approximately 1,000 patients Cerebral Spinal Fluid samples annually. The arrival of the new state‑of‑the‑art analyser alongside recent European approvals for blood biomarkers of Alzheimer’s will support a formal validation programme for blood biomarker testing in Alzheimer’s disease. This represents an important step that has the potential to significantly expand access to earlier, less invasive and more scalable diagnostic options for patients.
This innovation is underpinned by research conducted in partnership with Trinity College Dublin and supported through Consultant Innovation Funding. An important component of this work has been the development of the TUH Institute of Memory & Cognition Biobank for Aging & Neurodegeneration, co-led by Dr Antoinette O’Connor, which supports the collection and integration of clinical and biomarker data for translational dementia research. Dr O’Connor also co-leads the Dementia Research Network Ireland All-Island Biobank initiative, supporting the development of national infrastructure for biomarker research and clinical validation.
Eoin Begley Chief Medical Scientist in the National Neurochemistry Laboratory at TUH, said: “This is a milestone for Alzheimer’s diagnostics in Ireland. Moving from CSF‑only testing to validated blood‑based biomarkers will enable us to support far more patients, far earlier in their diagnostic journey. It represents a major shift in how we can identify and monitor neurodegenerative disease, and we are proud to lead this national service.”
Professor Seán Kennelly, Consultant Geriatrician and Director at the Institute of Memory & Aging at TUH, said: “For patients and families, this development is genuinely transformative. Earlier and more accurate diagnosis enables better planning, better access to supports, and more personalised treatment decisions. The ability to deliver blood‑based biomarker testing nationally is a major step forward for dementia care in Ireland.”
TUH’s commitment to adopting validated biomarker technologies at the earliest opportunity reflects the Hospital’s strategic focus on delivering cutting‑edge, innovative and evidence‑based diagnostics that enhance patient care and support personalised treatment planning.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in Ireland’s preparedness for emerging Alzheimer’s therapies and precision‑medicine approaches.
