A new brainwave test called Fastball EEG has shown promise in detecting early signs of Alzheimer’s disease within three minutes. Researchers at the University of Bath and the University of Bristol developed the test, which measures brain responses during image viewing to identify memory-related changes linked to Alzheimer’s. The test is passive, requiring no active participation from patients, reducing potential biases and making it more accessible for home use.
The study, published in the journal Brain Communications, involved 53 patients with mild cognitive impairment and 54 healthy older adults. Results revealed significantly reduced memory-related brain responses in those with MCI compared to healthy participants. The test’s reliability was further confirmed by consistent measurements in healthy older adults over a one-year period, indicating its potential as a consistent diagnostic tool.
Dr. George Stothart, the lead researcher, emphasized that Fastball is sensitive to both pre-diagnosed Alzheimer’s and individuals at high risk of developing the condition. He noted that the test’s ability to be conducted at home makes it an attractive option for real-world use, particularly for early detection and enabling early access to effective Alzheimer’s treatments such as donanemab and lecanemab.
However, the study had limitations, including the lack of biomarker data for participants with MCI due to cost and resource constraints. Researchers are now conducting larger clinical validation studies in the U.K. and U.S., each involving 1,000 patients, to include comprehensive biomarker coverage. Despite these limitations, the technology shows potential for use in medical settings, memory clinics, or even at home.
Christopher Weber, Ph.D., senior director of global science initiatives at the Alzheimer’s Association, acknowledged the test’s potential as a non-invasive tool but cautioned that more research is needed before it can be integrated into the diagnostic toolbox. He highlighted the importance of further validation in larger, more representative populations and over extended periods to ensure the results are reliable and confirm the presence of Alzheimer’s-related brain changes.