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Alzheimer’s disease affects millions worldwide, slowly chipping away at memory, thinking, and behavior. The frustrating part is that there is still no cure, although treatments can help manage symptoms if caught early. Enter the hero of the story: early detection.
Imagine a test so simple it takes just three minutes and can be done at home, yet has the potential to flag early signs of Alzheimer’s before symptoms even appear. Meet the Fastball EEG, a brainwave test developed by researchers at the University of Bath and University of Bristol. Using tiny sensors on your scalp, it monitors how your brain responds automatically to flashing images. No quizzes, no remembering facts, just a stress-free peek into your memory power.
In a recent trial involving older adults, the Fastball test successfully distinguished between those with mild cognitive impairment and healthy participants. People with memory-related challenges showed weaker brain responses, highlighting early risk for Alzheimer’s. And the best part? It works anywhere, whether at home, in a doctor’s office, or at a senior center.
Why does this matter? Alzheimer’s drugs like donanemab and lecanemab are most effective when started early. Catching subtle memory issues now could give patients a head start on these transformative treatments. The test is also reliable, fast, and non-invasive, making it ideal for anyone hesitant about traditional clinic visits.
Using Fastball is simple. Settle in a quiet spot, wear the EEG headset correctly, relax, and watch the images for three minutes. The device records your brainwaves and sends them to your clinician for interpretation. No stress, no pressure, just insight.
While more large-scale studies are needed, Fastball is already showing promise as an accessible early screening tool. It could be a game-changer for those often missed by conventional methods and offers a glimmer of hope in the fight against Alzheimer’s.
**This news was published on Times of India on 3rd September, 2025.
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