VTT develops fast method for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease
The accuracy of the analysis is comparable to manual measurements taken by skilled professionals, which are currently considered the most reliable method for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. The accurate and rapid analysis method is well suited for early diagnostics of Alzheimer’s disease.
The need for objective measurement is significant since the visual assessment of the different structures is extremely difficult for the physician, and repeatability of results typically poor. The new method is part of a system which is currently being developed under the EU PredictAD project to help diagnose Alzheimer's disease. The system will be completed in 2011. The aim of the project is to develop objective methods which are sufficiently accurate, reliable and fast for clinical use but do not require large investments in equipment.
Other organisations involved in developing the new method include GE Healthcare in Uppsala, Sweden, Imperial College London, University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio and Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen, Denmark. The method is currently being tested to guarantee its operational reliability.
There are approximately 120 000 people Finland that suffer from symptoms of a progressive neurodegenerative disease. According to predictions the number of patients suffering from memory-related diseases will increase in connection with population ageing at least until 2030.
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