Brain scan to identify Alzheimer’s years before symptoms featured on Horizon

A new brain scan being tested at UCL Institute of Neurology to identify Alzheimer’s disease 15 years before symptoms appear was featured on Horizon this month.

The PET (emission tomography) scan can locate and measure amyloid and tau, the proteins responsible for Alzheimer’s that can appear in the brain years before, by using radioactive tracers to search for them.

“We think amyloid and tau build up for 10-15 years before we see the first signs of forgetfulness. These things are gradually accumulating under the surface. To all intents and purposes we are fine. There will be a time when we won’t have to wait until there is significant brain destruction. Provided we find a therapy – and I believe we will – it gives us a window of opportunity to act.” Professor Nick Fox, Director of the Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology.

The BBC programme also explored Aducanumab, a drug that reduces the build-up of amyloid.

“There will be a therapy that slows or delays the onset of Alzheimer’s. People could live with the disease without showing any symptoms. This is a disease that largely affects people in later life. Delaying onset by a few years will be the equivalent of preventing it, allowing people to spend their final years free of cognitive impairment.” Professor Fox.

Further information:

• Horizon: Curing Alzheimer’s available on BBC iPlayer until 10 June 2016.
• Professor Nick Fox's academic profile
• Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology