UK to use new tool to test for Alzheimer’s
February 2nd, 2008 Posted in Pet GamesThe screening system developed by Neuronetrix Inc. would measure electrical activity in the brain, then use computer technology to determine whether it is normal or abnormal. Abnormal activity could be correlated to specific diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.The UK study of the system, called Cognision, will involve about 100 people %26ETH; half known to have Alzheimer’s and half who will serve as a control group.A group of sensors are placed on the patient’s head, and the patient listens to a set of sounds through earphones. The person’s brain waves are recorded during the session, then fed into a computer system for analysis.The information gleaned from the testing at UK will be used to develop and help verify a “signature” of what Alzheimer’s brain wave activity looks like.A followup study involving many more patients will be conducted at UK, the University of Pennsylvania and Indiana University.”This is a first step,” said Dr. Charles Smith a neurologist at Sanders-Brown who is leading the UK study along with Dr. Gregory Jicha. “Its use as a screening device is a bit far away.”But a screening tool that would allow Alzheimer’s to be detected before the patient begins exhibiting symptoms would be very helpful, he said.”The earlier you get someone … the better off that person’s going to be,” Smith said.Treatments are being developed that might change the way Alzheimer’s progresses, and getting those drugs to patients early on will ensure the most benefit.Currently, Alzheimer’s is diagnosed through a combination of cognitive tests, bloodwork and physician evaluations.”It’s not a very efficient process,” Smith said.Jicha said he often sees patients for the first time who are almost mute and incontinent.”We really need better ways to reach out into the general population and identify people that are at risk for the disease,” he said.Other early screening tests are being researched that could compete with Cognision, though.Smith is studying MRI imaging as a means of early detection. Other screening possibilities include PET (positron emission tomography) scanning, a spinal fluid test or even blood or urine tests, he said.Neuronetrix was formed in 2003 out of an idea generated at the University of Louisville, said Dr. John Barker, director of plastic surgery research at U of L and chairman of Neuronetrix’s board.He said the original goal was to use the brain wave measuring technology, called event-related potential or ERP, to test children for dyslexia.But the company eventually decided to shift its focus to Alzheimer’s because the business potential is much greater for that disease, which the Alzheimer’s Association says affects more than 5 million Americans.”We can become a billion-dollar company if we just do Alzheimer’s right,” said K.C. Fadem, who founded the company and serves as chief operating officer. “The percentage of people with Alzheimer’s is increasing every year.”Neuronetrix is owned by a group of more than 30 individual investors, as well as one institutional investor, the Kentucky Science and Technology Corp. By March, the company expects to have raised about $2.6 million.The test will cost about $200 to conduct, Fadem said.Neuronetrix’s patient services will be modeled after those of a publicly traded company called NeuroMetrix, which uses a similar product to detect diabetic neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome and similar ailments, Fadem said. NeuroMetrix’s product has been on the market since 2000.
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