Recent diagnostic techniques for the detection of Alzheimer's disease: a short review

Ir J Med Sci. 2023 Oct;192(5):2417-2426. doi: 10.1007/s11845-022-03244-y. Epub 2022 Dec 16.

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological condition that affects millions of individuals around the world and for which there are few effective therapies. Dementia is characterized by the formation of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, which is followed by neurotoxicity, which results in memory loss and mortality. Pathogenesis occurs several years before the onset of disease. As the disease-modifying drugs are most effective in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, biomarkers for early detection of disease and their development are crucial. This review discusses the diagnostic utility, benefits, and limitations of traditional techniques such as neuroimaging, cognitive testing, positron emission tomography, and biomarkers, as well as the novel techniques such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, immunotherapy, and blood test approaches for early detection, understanding, and treatment of AD.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; Artificial intelligence; Blood test; Immunotherapy; Machine learning; Retinal biomarker.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease* / diagnosis
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Biomarkers
  • Humans

Substances

  • Biomarkers