Alzheimer’s Test: 3-Minute Brainwave Scan Detects Disease Early
- A new, portable brainwave test developed at the University of Bath shows promise in detecting memory impairment linked to Alzheimer's disease years before conventional clinical diagnosis.
- Published September 5, 2024, in the journal Brain Communications, the study details the effectiveness of the "Fastball" test in identifying early indicators of cognitive decline.
- The Fastball test measures brain activity while participants perform a simple memory task.
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Fastball Brainwave Test Detects Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease
Table of Contents
A new, portable brainwave test developed at the University of Bath shows promise in detecting memory impairment linked to Alzheimer’s disease years before conventional clinical diagnosis.
Published September 5, 2024, in the journal Brain Communications, the study details the effectiveness of the “Fastball” test in identifying early indicators of cognitive decline.
What is the Fastball Test?
The Fastball test measures brain activity while participants perform a simple memory task. Unlike traditional memory tests that rely on subjective recall, Fastball uses electroencephalography (EEG) to objectively assess brain responses. This makes it more objective and accessible than traditional memory tests.
Key Findings of the Study
- Detected early memory issues in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) who were likely to develop Alzheimer’s.
- Delivered reliable results in real-world home settings, demonstrating its practicality.
- Showed reduced memory responses even in patients who later progressed to dementia, indicating its predictive capability.
Researchers believe Fastball can be scaled for use in general practitioner (GP) surgeries, memory clinics, or at home, possibly leading to earlier and more accurate diagnoses.
Expert Commentary
dr. Stothart, lead researcher on the project, emphasized the need for accessible diagnostic tools: “There’s an urgent need for accurate, practical tools to diagnose Alzheimer’s at scale. Fastball is cheap, portable, and works in real-world settings.”
Funding and Support
the study was funded by the Academy of Medical Sciences and supported by the dementia research charity BRACE.
Chris Williams, CEO of BRACE Dementia research, highlighted the potential impact of Fastball: “Fastball is an amazing tool that could offer anyone who, for whatever reason, cannot access a dementia diagnosis in a clinical setting.”
BRACE has been supporting the development of Fastball for several years and remains committed to its continued advancement.
understanding Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and alzheimer’s Disease
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a stage between normal age-related cognitive decline and dementia. Individuals with MCI may experience memory problems, but these do not considerably interfere with daily life.However, MCI increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes memory loss and cognitive decline. It is the most common cause of dementia.