Brain iron as an early predictor of Alzheimer's disease
Early and correct diagnosis of Alzheimers disease (AD) is important for reasons that go beyond treatment. These include more time to make critical life decisions, planning for future care, and maximizing the safety of the person with Alzheimer's disease and their family. New scientific information relevant to this pernicious disease has been obtained by researchers utilizing the U. S. Department of Energy Office of Sciences Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory and National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) at Brookhaven National Laboratory, and published in the journal NeuroImage. This work points to the use of elevated brain iron content, already observed in late-stage AD, as a potential tool for early diagnosis. Since the disease is usually diagnosed only in later stages after cognitive symptoms appear and treatment may not be effective, a method for early detection would be a major breakthrough in fighting this debilitating neurological illness.