Researchers from the universities of Bath and Bristol, in the United Kingdom, have developed a brain wave test called ‘Fastball EEG’ that can be done at home. This three -minute test detects memory deterioration associated with Alzheimer’s years before traditional diagnostic methods can do so.
The test records the electrical activity of the brain during the visualization of images, allowing the identification of memory problems in people with mild cognitive impairment (DCL). This approach is less dependent on the ability of participants to remember information.
George Stothart, author of the study and cognitive neuroscientist of Bath, said hopeful in a statement: “With the current diagnostic tools, we lose the first 10 to 20 years of Alzheimer’s. Fastball offers a way to change that: detect the deterioration of memory much earlier and more objectively through a rapid and passive test.”
Promising results
The findings indicate that the test has a high potential to detect cognitive impairment in non -clinical environments, which would facilitate a broader and accessible screening. However, the results must be analyzed by a doctor to offer a precise and not immediate diagnosis.
Stothart said to Newsweek That the long -term objective of the test would be to use it as a detection tool for over 55 years, but that more research is needed to determine the most effective stage to perform it. Candidates could be identified in primary care when their doctor goes to memory symptoms, or in secondary care when they have been identified by their doctor and referred to a neurologist.
“Finally we have therapeutic interventions, medications and lifestyle changes that can delay Alzheimer’s. This allows people to plan and relieve concern if they are well. It gives them security,” Stothart explained.
In addition, with a projected increase in Alzheimer’s cases, early detection becomes crucial. The existence of new medications, such as Donanemab and Lecanemab, makes the appropriate diagnosis essential to improve the effectiveness of treatments.
“The mild cognitive deterioration (DCL) occurs about five years before Alzheimer’s, so detecting it five years before means that patients can start taking medications and performing interventions in the lifestyle before,” Stothart added.
Revealing survey
A survey by the Alzheimer’s association reveals that most Americans would prefer to know their cognitive health status before the symptoms are evident, which underlines the need for diagnostic tools such as EEG Fastball.
They point out that almost 4 out of 5 Americans would like to know if they suffered from Alzheimer’s before presenting symptoms or before they interfere in their activities. In addition, about 92 % of Americans would like to take a medication that could delay the progression of Alzheimer’s.
More than seven million Americans live with Alzheimer’s And it is estimated that this figure will increase to almost 13 million in 2050, according to the association.
Future perspectives
Additional studies are being carried out in the United Kingdom and the US with a greater number of participants to validate the accuracy of the Fastball EEG in a broader clinical context. This research is vital to determine the implementation of the test in the health system.
The adoption of this technology could transform the way Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are detected, offering patients already their families greater tranquility and options for the management of the disease.
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