Story perspectives
New MRI and Digital Tests Revolutionize Alzheimer's Detection
9/16/2025
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Story summary
- A study from the Kennedy Krieger Institute shows that Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM) MRI can detect early brain iron levels associated with cognitive decline, potentially predicting Alzheimer's onset before symptoms arise.
- QSM MRI is available in many hospitals, aiding clinical trials for preventative treatments.
- A Swedish study in *Nature Medicine* introduced the BioCog digital test, achieving 85% accuracy in detecting cognitive impairment, surpassing traditional methods.
- Combining BioCog with a tau protein blood test raised diagnostic accuracy to 90%, improving Alzheimer’s patient identification in primary care.
- The BioCog test is designed for real-world use, with ongoing translations and assessments for long-term effectiveness in healthcare systems.
