Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new, noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging probe that they say can identify the start of Alzheimer’s disease years before symptoms appear.
William L. Klein, PhD, of Northwestern’s Department of Neurobiology, and colleagues say that the MRI probe, which combines a magnetic nanostructure with an antibody that looks for toxic beta-amyloid oligomers in the brain, can detect Alzheimer’s early. Beta-amyloid, considered a hallmark of the disease, show up as dark areas in MRI scans of the brain, due to associated magnetic nanostructures, the researchers reported in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.
In brains with Alzheimer’s, beta-amyloid oligomers attack synapses of neurons, which harms memory and leads to the death of neurons. Over time, beta-amyloid builds up and sticks together, forming plaque. Oligomers, however, appear much earlier than the plaques — up to 10 years beforehand.
“Using MRI, we can see the toxins attached to neurons in the brain” Klein said in a statement. “We expect to use this tool to detect this disease early and to help identify drugs that can effectively eliminate the toxin and improve health.”
“This MRI method could be used to determine how well a new drug is working,” Vinayak P. Dravid, also of Northwestern, added. “If a drug is effective, you would expect the amyloid beta signal to go down.”
Slideshow
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually even the ability to carry out the simplest tasks, according to the National Institute on Aging. In most people with Alzheimer’s, symptoms first…
MRI Can Detect Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer’s disease can be identified much before you see the usual symptoms, says a Northwestern University team of scientists and engineers. The team has invented a noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging device, which coupled a magnetic nanostructure with an “antibody that seeks out the amyloid beta brain toxins,” going on to the beginning of Alzheimer’s disease.
The MRI scans of the brain can detect the toxins that have gathered as dark areas, due to the associated magnetic nanostructures. A new brain imaging method to identify the toxin leading to Alzheimer’s disease is available now, according to neuroscientist William L. Klein, leader of the research team, along with materials scientist Vinayak P. Dravid.
Enjoying our content?
Thanks for visiting Psychiatry Advisor. We hope you’re enjoying the latest clinical news, full-length features, case studies, and more.
You’ve viewed {{metering-count}} of {{metering-total}} articles this month. If you wish to read unlimited content, please log in or register below. Registration is free.
{{login-button}} {{register-button}}
Log in to continue reading this article.
Don’t miss out on today’s top content on Psychiatry Advisor. Register for free and gain unlimited access to:
- Clinical News, with personalized daily picks for you
- Evidence-Based Guidance
- Conference Coverage
- Unique Psychiatry Case Studies
- Full-Length Features
- Drug Monographs
- And More
{{login-button}} {{register-button}}
Want to read more?
Please login or register first to view this content.