For the first time: Brain mapping will identify the protein associated with the risk of suffering from the disease. The test is performed at Hadassah Jerusalem
For the first time in Israel: A simple, non-invasive brain mapping test will identify the chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The test can identify the protein associated with the risk of developing the disease and therefore may help diagnose it in advance, or in its early stages – something that has not been possible until now.
The test is mainly relevant for those who have a family history of the disease or suspect its existence, and it can help adjust treatment to prevent and slow it down.
It is recommended for people aged 45 and over, but it can be performed at any age. The test is currently provided in some Western European countries, and now, for the first time in Israel, it is being performed at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem. So far, a few individual tests have already been performed.
Prof. Eyal Mishani, Head of the Research and Development Department at Hadassah Medical Center, explained: “The mapping is done by injecting a non-hazardous radioactive substance, in a brain scan with a PET CT device. It can be used to identify the amount of proteins whose presence is a sign of the development of Alzheimer’s. Understanding that there is a connection between that protein and the disease can also help develop drugs to stop Alzheimer’s.”
Dr. Dana Eckstein, Director of the Department of Neurology, emphasizes that the test is recommended after consulting with a neurologist, who, based on the test results, will be able to recommend an appropriate treatment that can delay the progression of the disease. It can be assessed whether it is dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease or dementia due to another disease.
Source article: https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5563190,00.html
