New brain scan 'could diagnose Alzheimer's'RSS Feed

A new brain scanning method could be used to accurately diagnose Alzheimer's disease, scientists have said.

The brain injury could be better identified by innovative MRI technique arterial spin labelling (ASL), according to two new studies published in journal Alzheimer's and Dementia as well as in Neurology.

University of Pennsylvania researchers concluded that the ASL-MRI test is a promising alternative method to the standard test currently employed, which consists of a specific PET scan.

The new MRI could also save money, as it costs approximately four times less than the PET scan, which also requires exposure to small amounts of radioactive glucose analogue.

David Wolk, who collaborated on the research, explained: "If ASL-MRI were included in the initial diagnostic work-up routinely, it would save the time for obtaining an additional PET scan, which we often will order when there is diagnostic uncertainty, and would potentially speed up diagnosis."

In other news, University of South Carolina scientists have generated the first detailed map of a human neuroreceptor, which could help to treat Alzheimer's disease as well as other brain conditions.

News by Serious Law. Expert legal assistance for those affected by brain injury

Posted by Matthew Heap
 

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