Alzheimer’s could be detected a decade earlier

September 21, 2011

Argentine study makes earlier diagnosis, before the installation of the neurodegenerative disorder. In this way it delays the onset of the disease.

Fernando Taragana the psychiatrist who leads the project said to the local press that: “With this technology, you can win ten years and it can act before the disease destroys the brain when is impossible to intervene.” The research is carried out by the CEMIC (Center for Medical Education and Clinical Research “Norberto Quirno”), with professionals from Spain, USA, Italy, China, France, Canada and Taiwan.

“We have high percentages of probability of obtaining an early diagnosis when the patient has minimal symptoms of cognitive impairment. Why? Lest you get to the office when it’s too late to help, “explains Maria Bastianello, head of the Nuclear Medicine Service CEMIC and member of healthcare team.

These advances allow the realization of tests that can establish with certainty immediately if the patient has a disorder in the metabolism of amyloid beta protein, characteristic of Alzheimer’s.

The technology that raid is a combinatorial Cemic positron emission tomography with a radioactive marker, the AV 45, which detects amiloidesque plates are formed in the patient who has altered the metabolism of amyloid beta protein. The tracer is injected intravenously, and should be expected between 45 and 50 minutes for it to stick to the plates. About 15 minutes are needed to take pictures.This takes an hour and a half the total study.

If it is confirmed the presence of these plaques add checking the cognitive symptoms is a sign of development of Alzheimer’s patients. Experts recommend that anyone with a family history of the disorder or disturbance begins to perceive the memory, take out the doubt and take precautions. Through a series of questions via mail, phone or get the diagnosis that deals with issues such as l forgetting of names, places, or recent events and the decline in the rate of speech. These should be started gradually and be present for at least a year.

According to Dr. Taragana, the person you have detected the disease varies from treatment programs drug therapy stimulation strict aerobic (walking, swimming) and cognitive, which can delay the onset of symptoms.