New Neuroimaging Technique Detects Brain Changes in Pre-Clinical Alzheimer’s Disease

Introduction

A new study from the Medical University of South Carolina has found a breakthrough in the detection of pre-clinical Alzheimer’s disease using an individualized functional connectome analysis technique. Neuroscientists have detected brain function differences in older adults with preclinical Alzheimer’s disease, indicating that subtle brain changes can be detected in those experiencing cognitive decline before clinical diagnosis.

The Study

The study analyzed brain images taken of 149 participants aged between 45 and 85. The individuals did not have cognitive decline signs, but some had amyloid-beta protein buildup, which is associated with preclinical Alzheimer’s. The researchers used the “individualized functional connectome” technique to analyze unique brain patterns for each individual as they examined the imaging.

Brain “Fingerprints”

The study revealed that changes in the connectivity within specific brain networks could indicate early issues with information processing abilities. Such issues are believed to occur in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease before noticeable cognitive decline symptoms. The researchers also discovered that early stages of protein buildup in the brain could affect cognitive abilities before symptoms become noticeable.

Implications

These findings could have significant implications for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as developing new treatments that could improve outcomes for those with Alzheimer’s. This method could improve how preclinical cases of Alzheimer’s are studied and help individuals make healthy lifestyle choices and control their modifiable risk factors.

Retinal Changes May Indicate Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

Another study published in Acta Neuropathological indicated that retinal changes may indicate early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers studied brain and retina tissues from 86 volunteers over 14 years, all of whom were experiencing mental function decline. They found that changes in the retina were associated with changes in parts of the brain dealing with memory, navigation, and the perception of time. Moreover, microglial cells were responsible for maintaining other cells, including clearing beta-amyloid from the brain and retina, but they declined by 80% in those with cognitive issues.

Conclusion

Alzheimer’s disease research is of utmost importance to understand its earliest signs and symptoms, identify those at risk of developing it, and explore new treatments such as brain stimulation, which may help slow it down. These groundbreaking studies could lead to pioneering imaging techniques that allow early diagnosis and better monitoring of the disease by examining the eye or detecting changes in connectivity within specific brain networks. These findings are likely to shape the future of Alzheimer’s research, diagnosis and treatment.

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