Siemens Medical work with researchers on Alzheimer’s biomarkers

Siemens Medical is working with researchers to initiate clinical trials using novel brain scanning technology to identify a molecular marker detecting brain protein deposits that define Alzheimer’s disease.

There are currently early stage trials attempting to identify biomarkers present in blood and spinal fluid to aid diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, though this study is the first resulting in real-time identification of the deposits in the brain of those that may not develop the condition for a number of years.

Over a two-year period, the scan showed a grater ability to track the progression of Alzheimer’s than traditional imaging methods.

Dr Gary Small, professor with the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behaviour at UCLA, said: “The study suggests that we may now have a new diagnostic tool for detecting pre-Alzheimer’s conditions to help us identify those at risk, perhaps years before symptoms become obvious.

He added that the technology could potentially be used to control the progression of the disease and test innovative pharmaceutical products, with the possibility of protecting the brain from damage.

In February, Siemens, Philips and General Electric provided software for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative for the identification of biomarkers related to Alzheimer’s disease and memory decline.