New York University’s Langone Health and School of Medicine recently teamed up to conduct research in the field of detecting dementia. The new tool that was developed uses an MRI to map white matter lesions on the brain, one of the hallmark signatures of certain types of dementia. These lesions, sometimes referred to as hypersensitivities, have long been associated with memory loss. When they are located in certain regions of the brain in larger numbers, researchers have found that there is a high likelihood that this is indicative of dementia.
The study results were published in Academic Radiology.
These lesions are not just white spots on the brain, but rather holes that have filled with liquid. Researchers currently believe that this happens when the blood vessels that supply nerves with oxygenated blood breakdown. As dementia progresses throughout the brain, it would make sense that these spots will grow in number and size.
This new tool can predict the existence of dementia with about 70 percent accuracy, far more accurate than past MRI methods have been. What’s more, this method has also proven effective at identifying dementia in the early stages, giving elderly folk that are experiencing this cognitive decline a better long term prognosis. Past MRI methods relied on a trained eye, which is obviously prone to human error. This new method uses more precise algorithms to measure the amount and the placement of lesions, allowing computers to make the call, rather than a fallible individual. Studies have long indicated that when dementia is diagnosed early on, the decline can be slowed, giving the individual suffering from dementia a higher quality of life for longer.
There’s still work to do when it comes to helping those with dementia, but early identification is a big step in the right direction. While there’s no cure for this illness in most cases, there are things that can be done to help make life better. The earlier a problem is noticed, the sooner this process can begin.
Memory care can play a very important role in senior care, especially as dementia progresses. Having a team of caregivers that understand Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia is important as these types of illnesses often come with more advanced needs than other difficulties that seniors might face. This type of care requires advanced training from a caregiver, so if you do have a loved one with dementia, it is important to know that the people working with your mom or dad have the right background to cater to their needs.
This is one of our specialties. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call or send over an email to let us know that you’d like to learn more about memory care and how the right care team can help make someone with dementia’s life a little bit easier. Technology and detection have come a long way over the last few years, but that doesn’t make this an easy thing for families to face. Please know that there are resources out there to help.
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