Brain scan may identify Alzheimer's disease before symptoms appear, says study

The research is accompanied by an editorial from Dr Jonathan Schott, who has previously been funded by Alzheimer's Society.

Researchers studied 311 people in their 70s and 80s with no cognitive problems. PET scans were used to look at amyloid plaques or tangles in the brain, which occur in Alzheimer's. An MRI brain scan was used to study metabolites, or by-products created by normal brain processes.

1 in 3 participants had high levels of amyloid plaques, and they were also more likely to have abnormal levels of certain metabolites that are known to be altered in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'This study is interesting as two early markers for Alzheimer's disease have been found in a group of people with no symptoms. Detecting more than one indicator years before symptoms appear could lead to more reliable diagnosis techniques that can improve lives and advance research. However, it is too early to tell if this group of people will develop the disease.'

'Diagnosis before symptoms are experienced is becoming the Holy Grail in our race to treat the disease. New breakthroughs are being made every day but much more funding is urgently needed if we are to defeat Alzheimer's.'

Dr Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society

Research Reference: Kantarci et al, 'Magnetic resonance spectroscopy, β-amyloid load, and cognition in a population-based sample of cognitively normal older adults', published online in Neurology on Wednesday, 24 August 2011

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Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk