New Scan May Detect Alzheimer’s Early

Researchers are reporting that new imaging technology is making it possible for them to scan a patient’s brain in order to diagnose Alzheimer’s in its earliest stages when treatment to retard its progress can be most effective.

The new scan is designed to target the presence of certain proteins that appear in the brain which seem to be connected to the loss of memory associated with Alzheimer’s Disease. Tests of the scan done by a team of Japanese scientists manage to point out certain proteins colored with fluorescent compounds.

Scientists say the new scan can help revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s, which causes adults to lose not only their memories but also their ability to remember how to perform even common daily functions and activities.

By being able to see the colored patterns that appear in the brain of a patient afflicted with Alzheimer’s, doctors will be able to diagnose the disease at its earliest stages in addition to seeing if prescribed treatments on already diagnosed patients are actually making a difference.

Researchers are also hopeful that the new scanning technique may be able to be used to diagnose other neurological diseases including Parkinson’s as well as dementia.

On The Web:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57603669/new-scan-may-diagnose-alzheimers-as-brain-changes-occur/