Miriam Vale
Bachelor of Journalism
The early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the hottest research topics in the field. Studies are being conducted around the world with the goal of discovering methods to improve the early detection of AD. Six researchers presented their data on this topic at the Congress on July 10. The bulk of their research focuses on the use of various neuroimaging techniques to detect the areas of the brain which appear to atrophy with disease progression and for the monitoring of metabolic function in the brain. These methods exist as 'stand-alone' techniques but are also used in conjunction with other indicators or predictors of AD, such as the presence of the ApoE e4 allele. Other methods involve the use of neuropsychological testing to try and discriminate between mild cognitive impairment and the onset of AD.
Dr. Marilyn S. Albert from Harvard Medical School presented her team's work on the use of neuropsychological testing for the early detection of AD. The group, which also included Mark B. Moss, from the Boston University School of Medicine and Kenneth Jones of Brandeis University, is studying the prodromal phase of AD before a diagnosis has been made. A total of 146 people (average age=72) were given 17 neuropsychological tests yearly, over a three-year period.
