Scientists uncover a reliable method of predicting dementia

A research group at the New York University (NYU) School of Medicine have demonstrated that a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-use tool, the electroencephalograph (EEG), can be used to detect the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s when the first indications of memory loss appear. Prior to this there has been no reliable method of detection, allowing the disease time to manifest and potentially procuring its effective treatment.

During the study a computer analysis of the EEG, which measures the brain’s electrical activity, accurately predicted healthy people in their 60s and 70s who would develop dementia over the next 7 to 10 years. It also identified individuals who would remain virtually unchanged over the same time span. The EEGs were almost 95% accurate in identifying those who would decline cognitively and those who would not.

The researchers hope that one day such a method may be used to evaluate a person’s propensity for developing Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia affecting people over 65. In the mean time the results need to be validated by much larger prospective studies.

It takes about 30 minutes to perform an EEG, which involves placing recording electrodes on the scalp. The test is performed with the patient seated comfortably. There are no injections and the scalp is not shaved. The whole procedure is pain free.