A groundbreaking three-minute brainwave test could revolutionize early detection of Alzheimer’s disease, identifying memory issues years before traditional diagnostic methods, according to a recent study.
Known as the Fastball test, this innovative approach uses electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain activity and detect subtle memory impairments in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition often linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s.
How the Fastball Test Works
The Fastball test involves placing small sensors on a person’s scalp to record brain activity while they view a rapid sequence of images on a screen. Each image appears for about a third of a second, with some images repeating to assess the brain’s automatic response to familiar visuals.
Unlike traditional memory tests, this method is passive, meaning participants do not need to actively recall or respond, making it less stressful and more objective.
In a study conducted by researchers at the University of Bath in collaboration with the University of Bristol, the test was trialed on 54 healthy older adults and 52 individuals with MCI.
Before the test, participants were shown eight images and asked to name them without being told to memorize them. During the test, their brain activity was monitored as hundreds of images flashed on the screen, with every fifth image being one of the previously named ones.
Key Findings
The study revealed that individuals with amnestic MCI, a subtype of MCI characterized by significant memory loss (such as forgetting recent conversations or appointments), showed significantly weaker brain responses to the repeated images compared to healthy adults or those with non-amnestic MCI.
Amnestic MCI is strongly associated with a higher likelihood of progressing to Alzheimer’s disease, making this finding significant.
Dr. George Stothart, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Bath and lead researcher, emphasized the test’s potential:
“Current diagnostic tools often miss the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s, sometimes by decades. Fastball offers a non-invasive, objective way to detect memory decline much earlier, which could help identify those who might benefit most from emerging treatments.”
The study, published in Brain Communications, also demonstrated that the test is portable and can be conducted in patients’ homes, increasing accessibility and reducing anxiety compared to clinical settings.
Follow-up testing after one year showed the Fastball test had moderate to good reliability in healthy adults, further supporting its potential.
Implications for Alzheimer’s Treatment
While the Fastball test cannot definitively predict who will develop Alzheimer’s, it could help identify individuals at higher risk, enabling earlier intervention with new Alzheimer’s drugs like donanemab and lecanemab, which are most effective in the disease’s early stages.
The test’s ability to detect memory issues in a quick, cost-effective, and scalable way could transform how Alzheimer’s is diagnosed, especially as the UK’s dementia population is projected to rise from 982,000 to 1.4 million by 2040, according to Alzheimer’s Society estimates.
Expert Perspectives
Experts have welcomed the findings but stress the need for further research. Dr. Julia Dudley of Alzheimer’s Research UK noted,
“Early detection is critical for new treatments to be effective. This study shows promise, but larger, longer-term studies are needed to confirm whether the test can predict the progression of memory issues and how it might complement other diagnostic tools like cognitive assessments or blood tests.”
Professor Vladimir Litvak from UCL’s Queen Square Institute of Neurology added,
“This is a promising early step, but the test doesn’t distinguish Alzheimer’s from other causes of cognitive decline. Additional biomarkers or imaging will likely be needed for a comprehensive diagnosis.”
Chris Williams, chief executive of BRACE Dementia Research, which funded the study, highlighted its accessibility:
“Fastball could be a game-changer for those who face barriers to traditional clinical diagnostics, offering a practical solution for early detection.”
Next Steps
The researchers are now conducting larger trials to validate the test’s effectiveness across diverse populations and over longer periods. Future studies will also explore how factors like other health conditions might influence results and how the test could integrate with existing diagnostic methods.
As Alzheimer’s and other dementias continue to pose significant public health challenges, tools like Fastball could pave the way for earlier, more equitable access to diagnosis and treatment, offering hope to millions at risk.