New Test Predicts Dementia 9 Years Before Diagnosis

SOURCE www.independent.co.uk
A new test can predict dementia up to nine years before diagnosis with 80% accuracy by analyzing brain network connections in the idle mode. This method is more effective than memory tests or brain shrinkage measurements.

Key Points

  • Analyzing brain network connections in idle mode
  • Better than memory tests or brain shrinkage measurements
  • Model predicted future dementia diagnoses with high accuracy

Pros

  • Can predict dementia up to nine years before diagnosis with 80% accuracy
  • Identifies people at risk of dementia before symptoms show
  • May lead to early treatment to prevent irreversible brain cell loss

Cons

  • Need for more studies involving diverse groups of people to fully understand benefits and limitations of the MRI scan as a diagnostic tool