Researchers from the UK have developed a new method of passive measurement of brain activity, which allows you to identify Alzheimer’s disease in the earliest stages. The article of the researchers was published in the magazine Brain.
Alzheimer’s disease is the reason for about 60 percent of dementia cases. It is now often detected using memory tests that are often biased. The early diagnosis of Alsayer’s disease will help to make more efficient drug treatment and lifestyle adjustment.
In the course of the scientists from the Batsky, Bristol and Kent universities of the test Fastball, people with a rigging encephalographic helmet show quickly alternating images. At this time, they measure brainwaves. While the pictures are gradually changing, the specialists for changing electroenentcephalograms detect whether a person remembered change.
The method allows you to fix even small changes in brainwaves. Measurement Fully passive – the participant does not need to understand the task or answer questions. Pre-testing for 60 people – young, adults and patients with Alzheimer’s disease – showed that the latter demonstrate low results during test, scientists say.
According to the researchers estimates, their new method will reduce the period on which the disease is revealed for five years. Currently, they are preparing for the holding of Longitudinal (long-term) clinical trials of their method