7T brain scans reveal potential early indicator of Alzheimer's

Novel research approach holds promise for early detection and treatment

2021-05-04

(Press-News.org) DALLAS (May 3, 2021) - Researchers from the Center for BrainHealth® at The University of Texas at Dallas are investigating a potential new early indicator of the decline toward Alzheimer's disease: measuring the energy metabolism of the living human brain using cutting-edge imaging techniques.

The scientists devised a unique way to illustrate energy consumption and reserves in the brain with phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy using an ultra-high-field 7 Tesla MRI scanner. Their results suggest that neurological energy metabolism might be compromised in mild cognitive impairment (MCI), the stage of decline between healthy aging and more serious disease states like dementia and Alzheimer's.

Dr. Namrata Das, PhD'20, a program specialist and research neuroscientist in the END

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7T brain scans reveal potential early indicator of Alzheimer's

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