A groundbreaking test now offers new hope for detecting Alzheimer’s. This three-minute brainwave test helps identify people. These individuals face a higher risk. The test was developed in the UK. Researchers at the University of Bath led the project. Scientists from the University of Bristol also helped. This innovative test could transform diagnosis. It promises a much earlier detection of Alzheimer’s. This is a very important advance.
The new technology is called “Fastball.” It is a form of electroencephalogram (EEG). Small sensors are placed on the scalp. Then they record the brain’s electrical activity. People simply watch a stream of images. The images flash very quickly on a screen. Fastball analyzes the brain’s automatic responses. Therefore, it does not require active recall. It is a completely passive method. Consequently, it can be more objective. Its simplicity makes it more accessible. Thus, more people can receive this screening. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is vital.
The trial included 52 patients. They had mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Also, 54 healthy older adults participated. MCI affects a person’s memory and thinking. However, daily activities are not severely impacted. Researchers found significant differences. Patients with amnestic MCI showed reduced responses. Amnestic MCI affects memory for objects. These people face a much higher risk. They are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. So, Fastball successfully flagged this risk. The test is a promising tool.
Dr. George Stothart is a lead researcher. He is a cognitive neuroscientist and works at the University of Bath. He notes that current tools are inadequate. They miss the first 10 to 20 years of Alzheimer’s. Dr. Stothart says Fastball changes this. “It detects memory decline much earlier,” he explained. The test is also cheap and portable. It works well in real-world settings. People can even do the test at home. This is particularly helpful for many. It expands access for everyone.
The Alzheimer’s Society highlights a major issue. Currently, many people in the UK lack a diagnosis. While about 982,000 people have dementia, more than one-third of them are undiagnosed. This number is expected to grow, potentially reaching 1.4 million by 2040. Therefore, a new diagnostic tool called Fastball could provide a real solution. Ultimately, it offers a new path to early diagnosis, which could lead to earlier interventions that can make a huge difference.
Dr. Julia Dudley, who works at Alzheimer’s Research UK, states that families need answers. In her opinion, early diagnosis is vital because it allows people to access care and support. Furthermore, it helps them get new treatments. Although the initial trial results are encouraging, longer-term studies are needed. Specifically, these studies must include larger groups to confirm the test’s findings and predict how memory problems unfold. This is a very important next step, as the journey to a definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s continues.
It’s important to note that the test does not give a final diagnosis. Instead, it identifies a high-risk population. These individuals might benefit from new drugs, such as donanemab and lecanemab, which are very promising and on the horizon. By helping people get treatment sooner, the test makes a formal diagnosis of Alzheimer’s more attainable. Consequently, this will help many individuals and allow doctors to better assess their patients.
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