A 60-second test for common brain diseases such as Alzheimer's has been developed, reported two newspapers (23 August 2007). The newspapers accurately report initial research into identifying early predictor patterns for brain diseases using Magnetoencephalography (MEG) scans. Further research using large numbers of patients is planned.
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A 60-second test for common brain diseases such as Alzheimer's has been developed, reported two newspapers (23 August 2007).(1-2) Both newspapers quote the lead researcher saying the test could be in clinical use 'in a year or two'.
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The newspaper reports were based on published research in which 142 volunteers were scanned using Magnetoencephalography. Some of these paid volunteers were healthy controls and the rest had a known functional brain disorder (such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease or schizophrenia). Using patterns seen in early participants, the scan was used to classify the type of brain disorder in later participants. The authors conclude that a high percentage of correct classification can be obtained. Further research using large numbers of patients and matched controls is planned.
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The newspaper reports accurately present information provided in the research paper and a press release.(3-4) The Daily Mail article in particular presents a detailed and balanced report.(1) Because of the early nature of this research a full critical appraisal has not been undertaken.
Systematic reviews
Information staff at CRD searched for systematic reviews relevant to this topic. Systematic reviews are valuable sources of evidence as they locate, appraise and synthesize all available evidence on a particular topic.
There were no related systematic review identified on the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) or on the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE).
References and resources
1. The one-minute Alzheimer's test. Daily Mail, 23 August 2007, p24.
2. Testing for Alzheimer's disease in 60 secs. Daily Mirror, 23 August 2007, p30.
3. Georgopoulos AP, Karageorgiou E, Leuthold AC, Lewis SM, Lynch JK, Alonso AA, et al. Synchronous neural interactions assessed by magnetoencephalography: a functional biomarker for brain disorders. Journal of Neural Engineering 2007;4:349-355.
4. Institute of Physics. 60 second test could help early diagnosis of common brain diseases. Press Release, 22 August 2007.
Consumer information
Alzheimer's Society
NHS Direct - Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's Research Trust
Previous Hitting the Headlines summaries on this topic
New test can spot the early onset of Alzheimer's. Hitting the Headlines archive, 26 April 2001.
Further information about Hitting the Headlines
Further information about Hitting the Headlines, together with selected relevant links, can be found at http://www.library.nhs.uk/hth/.
