MRI Technique Diagnoses Early Alzheimer's Onset

Jan-01-15 A new, non-invasive MRI approach able to detect the early signs of Alzheimer's disease before symptoms arise could lead to better drugs and treatment options.

The technology works using magnetic nanostructures coated with an antibody that will detect and bind to the toxic "seeds" of amyloid-beta (Aβ) oligomers that cause the onset of Alzheimer's disease. An MRI is used to detect the nanostructures and determine the amount present in the brain, which allows technicians to predict the onset of the disease before the much later-appearing—and more serious—plaque can form.

Along with detecting the early onset of the disease, the new MRI method could also allow doctors to monitor how well a treatment drug is working.

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[MEDGADGET.COM]
[NORTHWESTERN.EDU]

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