Brain imaging is becoming a powerful tool to detect early signs of dementia, even before obvious symptoms appear. Techniques like EEG and MRI scans can reveal subtle changes in brain activity and structure that hint at the beginning stages of diseases like Alzheimer’s.
For example, EEG scans measure electrical signals in the brain. Researchers have found that people with very mild memory problems already show changes in how different brain regions communicate. These changes include slower brain activity and weaker connections between areas involved in memory and attention. This means brain signals can tell a story about early dementia long before it severely affects daily life.
MRI scans provide detailed pictures of the brain’s structure. Scientists have developed ways to analyze these images to see how fast a person’s brain is aging. Faster brain aging is linked to a higher risk of dementia and other health problems. By comparing repeated MRI scans over time, doctors can detect abnormal brain volume loss that goes beyond normal aging, which may indicate early neurodegeneration.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is also helping by analyzing brain scans and movement patterns to spot dementia early, sometimes even before symptoms show up. AI can combine different types of data to improve accuracy and could be used to screen large groups of people efficiently.
While MRI and EEG are commonly used, other methods like PET scans and cerebrospinal fluid tests are less frequent but can provide valuable information. Repeated brain imaging, combined with clinical assessments, helps doctors decide when more invasive or expensive tests are necessary.
Overall, brain imaging reveals early signs of dementia by detecting changes in brain activity and structure that occur before noticeable cognitive decline. This early detection is crucial for timely intervention and better management of the disease.
