Can MRI scans detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease?

Yes, researchers found that enlarged perivascular spaces, visible on MRI scans, may indicate early Alzheimer's risk.

What are enlarged perivascular spaces and their link to dementia?

These are expanded channels in the brain that indicate blockages in the waste drainage system, potentially linked to dementia development.

How did researchers in Singapore study Alzheimer's risk?

They analyzed MRI scans and blood markers from nearly 1,000 participants to identify correlations between brain drainage and cognitive health.

Home / Health / Brain Drains Clogged? New MRI Scan Key to Early Alzheimer's Detection

Brain Drains Clogged? New MRI Scan Key to Early Alzheimer's Detection

10 Dec

•

Summary

MRI scans can reveal clogged brain drainage spaces linked to Alzheimer's.
Expanded perivascular spaces may predict dementia before major damage occurs.
This method could offer earlier Alzheimer's detection without extra tests.

Brain Drains Clogged? New MRI Scan Key to Early Alzheimer's Detection

Researchers have identified potential early warning signs for Alzheimer's disease by examining MRI scans for blockages in the brain's natural drainage system. These natural "drains," which clear harmful waste, can become clogged, leading to enlarged perivascular spaces detectable on routine MRI scans. This finding suggests that anomalies in these spaces could serve as crucial predictors of dementia, even before substantial brain damage occurs.

The study, involving nearly 1,000 participants in Singapore, observed that individuals with mild cognitive impairment were more likely to exhibit these clogged drains compared to those without cognitive concerns. The presence of enlarged perivascular spaces was also found to correlate with certain blood markers associated with Alzheimer's, such as amyloid plaques and tau tangles.