Early Alzheimer’s signs detected in 3 minutes with new brainwave test
Fastball EEG test detects memory decline linked to Alzheimer’s years before diagnosis, showing reliable results in a trial of 106 participants, aiding early intervention efforts.
- Scientists at the Universities of Bristol and Bath have created a three-minute brainwave assessment called Fastball to identify early memory impairments associated with Alzheimer's disease.
- The test emerged because current diagnostic tools miss the first 10 to 20 years of Alzheimer's, delaying early and accurate diagnosis needed for timely intervention.
- In a study of 106 participants, individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment demonstrated notably lower EEG signal responses relative to healthy older adults, and the testing method was successfully implemented in non-clinical environments, including participants’ homes.
- Dr George Stothart highlighted that existing diagnostic methods fail to detect Alzheimer's during its initial decade or two, while Chris Williams praised Fastball as a remarkable solution for enabling dementia diagnosis in individuals who may lack access to traditional clinical assessments.
- While Fastball cannot yet classify individuals or predict disease progression, larger trials and long-term studies are underway to validate its clinical utility and potential for wider screening.
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A 3-minute brainwave test could spot Alzheimer’s years before symptoms
Scientists at the University of Bath have developed a simple three-minute brainwave test called Fastball EEG that can detect memory problems years before Alzheimer’s is typically diagnosed. Unlike traditional memory tests, it passively records brain responses to images and has now been proven effective in people’s homes. With breakthrough Alzheimer’s drugs working best in early stages, this low-cost, accessible tool could transform early detecti…
·United States
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Brainwave test ‘detects Alzheimer’s-linked memory issues years before diagnosis’
Researchers suggest this could be a cheap tool for those who struggle to get a diagnosis.
·London, United Kingdom
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Leaning Left2Leaning Right4Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution40% Center, 40% Right
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources are Center, 40% of the sources lean Right
40% Right
L 20%
C 40%
R 40%
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