Scientists discover early detection for Alzheimers
Updated
Australian scientists say they have found a way to detect signs of Alzheimers up to 18 months earlier than previously possible.
A study by the government scientific research body, the CSIRO, shows a brain scan called PIB-PET can detect high levels of the molecule beta-amyloid, which indicates someone has the disease before symptoms appear.
The study's leader, Professor David Ames, has told a forum the scanning technology may help researchers find ways to prevent the disease's onset.
"At a thousand dollars a pop it clearly isn't going to be useful for population screening," he said.
"But it does allow us to validate other tests against it and the holy grail of Alzheimers research is to find a blood test.
"We're probably within sight of that."
