Scientists identify biomarker for Alzheimer's

Researchers at the University of Western Ontario have discovered a new way of diagnosing cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.

Findings from the university's Robarts Research Institute provide evidence that neurodegeneration in patients can be directly linked to growth of the brain's ventricles.

At present, anti-aging physicians are only able to diagnose Alzheimer's by using neuro-cognitive assessments, which cannot offer a definitive diagnosis.

Lead scientist on the study, Robert Bartha, said: "These findings mean that, in the future, by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure changes in brain ventricle size, we may be able to provide earlier and more definitive diagnosis.

"In addition, as new treatments for Alzheimer's are developed, the measurement of brain ventricle changes can also be used to quickly determine the effectiveness of the treatment."

According to the findings, Alzheimer's patients with a genetic marker for the disease exhibited more rapid expansion in ventricle volume.

The research was conducted using MRI scans of patients across the US.