Even before symptoms? New brain scan reveals Alzheimer's risk

A new study found that a unique pattern in a brain scan can identify healthy older adults at high risk for Alzheimer's, even before signs of memory decline appear. The researchers emphasize that this is not yet a available diagnostic test.

A new study published in the journal Science Advances found that a unique pattern in a brain scan can identify healthy older adults at high risk for Alzheimer's, even before signs of memory decline appear. The researchers developed a computer model that compared 'super-agers' – adults over 75 with excellent memory – to Alzheimer's patients, and identified brain connectivity patterns that distinguish between them. The model was then applied to healthy adults without memory problems. The results showed that those whose brain pattern resembled that of Alzheimer's patients experienced faster cognitive decline and accumulated more amyloid-beta protein. The researchers emphasize that at this stage it is not an available diagnostic test, but a research tool that may in the future serve as a warning light for continued medical monitoring. The article notes that larger and more diverse studies are needed to validate the findings before clinical application.