Several new studies seem to point to the potential for using conventional MRI technology to detect and diagnose Alzheimer's. This disease is a widespread problem and one that we currently don't have sufficient means to test for and treat. We do know that catching the problem earlier on can assist the patient in finding ways to delay the problems associated with the disease and to plan for a higher quality of life into the later years. These new studies provide hope that we will indeed be able to detect Alzheimer's at earlier stages using technology that already exists.
"Three studies, one on successful use of conventional MRI to image brain plaques in animals, and two on using computers to analyze MRI images, are being presented at the Alzheimer's Association's 2008 International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD 2008), which is taking place in Chicago from 26th to 31st July." (source)
Should additional studies like these prove to be successful, the conventional MRI could be an important tool for detecting Alzheimer's. This is important because of the fact that this technology is relatively low cost as well as low-risk to the patient.
Question of the Day: Will the MRI be the tool used to detect Alzheimer's?
