New EEG Test for Early Alzheimer’s Detection

Researchers from Bath and Bristol University have developed a new EEG test that could potentially identify early signs of Alzheimer’s disease in just three minutes.

This innovative method, referred to as fastball EEG, involves presenting a series of images to participants while measuring electrical activity in their brains. The aim is to detect signs of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition that often signals the onset of Alzheimer’s.

It’s noteworthy that fastball EEG is a “passive” test, meaning it captures brain responses without requiring participants to answer questions or recall information. This approach reduces the risk of factors like anxiety or background experience influencing the results, according to Dr. George Stottart, a cognitive neuroscientist involved in the study.

Stottart mentioned, “Fastballs are sensitive to both pre-diagnosed Alzheimer’s and individuals at a very high risk of developing it.” He added that the test can easily be conducted in the comfort of patients’ homes, making it a practical tool for early detection.

The study included 53 patients with mild cognitive impairment and 54 healthy older adults, assessing memory skills and retesting them a year later.

Surprisingly, the results showed that patients with MCI had notably diminished memory-related brain responses compared to healthier participants. These findings have been published in the Journal Brain Communications.

Dr. Stottart expressed his astonishment at the reliability of the retests, noting, “A one-year follow-up demonstrates stable measurements, with consistent results over time in healthy elderly individuals.” However, there were limitations; the research lacked biomarker data for MCI participants due to cost constraints.

He suggested exploring how this new technique could complement existing diagnostic methods. Ongoing clinical validation studies in both the UK and US are including extensive biomarker compensation for a larger cohort.

Ultimately, the hope is that this tool could be utilized in various settings, including doctors’ offices or memory clinics, facilitating early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. Patients could then access current treatments more effectively when the disease is still in its early stages, as certain medications show the best results at that point.

Stottart clarified that the results from the fastball test are relayed to clinicians rather than directly to the patients, allowing them to incorporate the findings into a more comprehensive evaluation.

Dr. Christopher Weber from the Alzheimer’s Association highlighted that while this technology might become a non-invasive option for tracking memory changes, further research is essential before it can be confidently included in diagnostic practices. He stressed the necessity of broader studies to confirm that brain changes correlate with Alzheimer’s disease.

Weber also pointed out that the test doesn’t clarify the cause of memory loss, which complicates the interpretation of its results. Thus, even if this technology proves beneficial, it may still require additional testing, including brain imaging and biomarker evaluations, for a thorough understanding.

However, the fastball EEG might aid in the preliminary screening process and discussions between patients and their doctors. It’s worth considering how it might enhance existing methods like PET scans, blood tests, and cognitive evaluations.

Weber advised that at-home testing should be approached cautiously and, importantly, patients should consult their healthcare providers to determine if they are suitable candidates for such assessments.

This study received funding from the Academy of Medicine and was supported by the Dementia Research Charity Brace.