New Brainwave Test Could Spot Alzheimer’s Early

A brief, three-minute brainwave test shows promise in identifying memory issues associated with Alzheimer’s disease much earlier than current diagnostic methods, potentially helping to pinpoint individuals who might benefit from new treatments.

In a recent small-scale study, the test discovered specific memory challenges in participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), indicating a higher likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s. Researchers are now conducting trials with larger populations.

The Fastball test, a type of electroencephalogram (EEG), utilizes sensors placed on the scalp to capture the brain’s electrical activity while individuals view a series of images on a screen. It gauges memory problems by analyzing the brain’s reflexive reactions to images presented before the test.

“Our new passive memory measure, tailored for diagnosing Alzheimer’s, can detect individuals at very high risk who haven’t been diagnosed yet,” noted Dr. George Stothart, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Bath, where the test was created.

The trial, conducted alongside the University of Bristol, included 54 healthy adults and 52 participants with MCI. Those with MCI experience challenges with memory, thinking, or language, but these issues typically don’t hinder daily activities.

Prior to the test, participants were shown eight images and asked to name them, but they weren’t instructed to memorize them for the test. Researchers then measured the participants’ brain activity as hundreds of images flashed across the screen, with every fifth picture being one of the eight they had previously seen.

Results revealed that participants with amnestic MCI, which affects memory for objects most, exhibited diminished responses compared to healthier adults and those with non-amnestic MCI. Notably, people with amnestic MCI are significantly more prone to developing Alzheimer’s than their non-amnestic counterparts.

While the test cannot definitively determine who will develop Alzheimer’s, confirming these findings in larger studies could aid doctors in identifying at-risk patients who would likely benefit from new medications like donanemab and lecanemab.

Importantly, the tests were conducted in participants’ homes, a measure Stothart believes is crucial for accessibility and for easing any anxiety associated with testing. Details of the study are available in Brain Communications.

Prof. Vladimir Litvak from UCL’s Queen Square Institute of Neurology termed this an “early step towards a clinically useful test.” He emphasized the need to assess whether it can predict changes in a person’s condition over time, which would inform treatment decisions.

Dr. Julia Dudley from Alzheimer’s Research UK remarked on the encouraging nature of such studies, as early detection is vital for maximizing the effectiveness of emerging Alzheimer’s treatments. “Long-term studies with diverse populations are necessary to determine if this technology can anticipate the evolution of memory issues,” she added. “Since memory impairment may be linked to various health concerns beyond dementia, future research should investigate other factors affecting brainwave test outcomes and how they might complement existing diagnostic tools, like cognitive assessments and blood tests.”