Medical

Four-Week Memory Test that could predict the Risk of Alzheimer’s

Published

4 years ago

January 5, 2021

Jean

Scientists now believe that it may be possible to identify people who have a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by testing their memory over a four-week period.

Trials have shown that zeroing in on the ability to retain a memory over a longer period could yield potentially more accurate predictors than the traditional memory tests. Traditional memory tests assess people’s memory over a period of half an hour.

University of Bristol researchers led the study which they published in the Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy journal in which they wanted to test using a word list to test people’s memory over four weeks. People were tested for their memory of the list four weeks after hearing it initially.

Those whose memory of the list after four weeks was better off, registered less cognitive decline over the year after. This was true even for those who did not have any problems with cognitive function or memory at the start.

Forty six older people participated in the study. All of them were healthy and their average age was 70.7. The study participants had to perform three memory tasks. Researchers tested t heir delayed recall 30 minutes later and then four weeks later.

They also did the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination III or ACE-III test. ACE-III test is conventionally used to detect cognitive impairments, as well as a brain MRI. One year later, the participants repeated the same ACE-III test to measure their cognitive abilities.

At the end of the study, researchers found that 15 out of 46 participants had experienced a decline in their cognitive abilities, and that the verbal memory tests conducted over the initial period of four weeks would have yielded a better prediction of this decline than the standard memory tests.

After combining the scores from the four-week memory tests together with the results of the MRI brain scan, the researchers found that it was possible to make even more accurate prediction s of cognitive decline.

The MRI brain scans showed that there was a size reduction in the section of the brain that governs memory. This is the part of the brain that gets affected by Alzheimer’s Disease.

By testing long-term memory recall, the researchers found that they could detect Alzheimer’s disease much earlier and achieve better treatment outcomes. Treatments to stop Alzheimer’s disease or slow down its progression are much more effective when given during the early stages of the disease. This is the best time because patients are yet to develop significant problems with their memory.

In the words of Dr. Alfie Wearn, a Research Associate at the Bristol Medical School: Translational Health Sciences: “Our study shows evidence for a low-cost and quick to administer screening tool that could be used to identify the very earliest signs of Alzheimer’s disease. It could also directly speed up the development of effective Alzheimer’s disease therapies, and enable earlier treatment when such therapies are available.”

Dr. Liz Coulthard who is an Associate Professor in Dementia Neurology with the University of Bristol as well as a neurologist with the North Bristol NHS Trust also said this: “It is important to note the participants were healthy older people who did not develop Alzheimer’s during the trial, but some people did show the type of change over the course of a year in memory and thinking that can precede Alzheimer’s disease. Future work will establish whether this test predicts full-blown Alzheimer’s dementia.”

Researchers will now be testing the ability of these tests to detect Alzheimer’s disease in comparison with other cognitive deteriorating diseases. The researchers will be drawing comparisons between long-term memory test results of people who have evidence of Alzheimer’s disease and those without. The evidence is derived from analyzing their cerebrospinal fluid. Even though this method of detecting Alzheimer’s is the most effective, it is also too invasive, and researchers are working on less invasive methods.

The study was conducted with funding from a Wellcome Trust PhD study scholarship award received by Dr. Wearn who is in the Neural Dynamics PhD Programme. It was also funded by the Alzheimer’s Research UK as well as Brace, which is a dementia charity at Southmead Hospital in Bristol.

Medical

AI Breakthrough: New Antibiotic Discovery Offers Hope in Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance

Published

2 weeks ago

November 4, 2024

Jean

In a groundbreaking development, researchers have harnessed the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to discover a new antibiotic that shows promise in combating drug-resistant bacteria. This innovative approach, detailed in a recent study published in Nature, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a global health crisis that threatens to undermine modern medicine.

The newly identified antibiotic, named by researchers as “halicin” after the AI system HAL from “2001: A Space Odyssey,” has demonstrated remarkable efficacy against a wide range of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including some of the most challenging pathogens known to medical science. This discovery comes at a critical time, as the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared AMR one of the top ten global public health threats facing humanity.

The research team, led by scientists from MIT and Harvard, employed a deep learning approach to analyze vast databases of chemical compounds. By training their AI model on molecular structures with known antibacterial properties, they were able to predict and identify new compounds with potential antibiotic activity. This method represents a paradigm shift in drug discovery, potentially accelerating the process of finding new antibiotics to combat evolving bacterial threats.

Dr. James Collins, a professor of biological engineering at MIT and senior author of the study, emphasized the significance of this approach: “We’re facing a critical shortage of new antibiotics, and this AI-driven method opens up new possibilities for discovering novel compounds that can help address the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.”

The urgency of this research cannot be overstated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the United States each year, resulting in over 35,000 deaths. Globally, the numbers are even more staggering, with AMR directly responsible for an estimated 1.27 million deaths in 2019.

Halicin’s potential lies not only in its effectiveness but also in its novel mechanism of action. Unlike many existing antibiotics that target specific cellular processes, halicin appears to disrupt the bacterial cell membrane’s ability to maintain an electrochemical gradient necessary for energy production. This unique approach makes it particularly difficult for bacteria to develop resistance, a key factor in the antibiotic’s potential long-term efficacy.

Laboratory tests have shown halicin to be effective against a broad spectrum of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including Clostridium difficile, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Perhaps most impressively, the compound successfully eradicated infections in mouse models that were resistant to all known antibiotics.

Dr. Regina Barzilay, a professor of electrical engineering and computer science at MIT and a key contributor to the study, highlighted the transformative potential of AI in drug discovery: “This work represents a significant advance in our ability to harness machine learning for therapeutic discovery. It demonstrates that AI can not only accelerate the drug discovery process but also help us uncover entirely new classes of antibiotics.”

The implications of this research extend beyond the immediate discovery of halicin. The AI model developed by the team has the potential to screen millions of compounds rapidly, identifying other promising antibiotic candidates. This capability could dramatically reduce the time and cost associated with traditional drug discovery methods, which often take years and billions of dollars to bring a new antibiotic to market.

However, experts caution that while this discovery is promising, it is only the first step in a long journey. Dr. Cesar de la Fuente, a presidential assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania who was not involved in the study, commented, “This is an exciting proof of concept, but we must remember that many promising drug candidates fail in clinical trials. The road from discovery to approved medication is long and challenging.”

Indeed, the development of new antibiotics faces numerous hurdles, including stringent regulatory requirements and economic challenges. The Pew Charitable Trusts reports that many major pharmaceutical companies have abandoned antibiotic research due to low return on investment, leaving smaller biotech firms and academic institutions to lead the charge against AMR.

To address these challenges, policymakers and health organizations are calling for new incentives to stimulate antibiotic development. The PASTEUR Act, introduced in the U.S. Congress, proposes a subscription-style model for antibiotic reimbursement, aiming to make antibiotic development more financially viable for pharmaceutical companies.

Meanwhile, global initiatives like the AMR Action Fund, a partnership between pharmaceutical companies, philanthropic organizations, and the WHO, are working to bridge the funding gap in antibiotic research and development. These efforts underscore the recognition that combating AMR requires a coordinated, global response.

As research on halicin and other AI-discovered antibiotics progresses, scientists are also emphasizing the importance of responsible antibiotic use. Dr. Ramanan Laxminarayan, director of the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy, notes, “While new antibiotics are crucial, we must also focus on antibiotic stewardship and infection prevention to preserve the effectiveness of both existing and future antibiotics.”

The discovery of halicin through AI represents a beacon of hope in the fight against AMR. It demonstrates the potential of cutting-edge technology to address one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time. As this research moves forward, it may herald a new era in antibiotic discovery, offering new tools to combat the relentless evolution of bacterial resistance.

The journey from AI-assisted discovery to clinical application is just beginning, but the potential impact on global health is immense. As we stand on the brink of this new frontier in medical science, the collaboration between human ingenuity and artificial intelligence offers a promising path forward in our ongoing battle against infectious diseases.

Computers

Critical Alert: 3G Shutdown Threatens Vital Medical Devices, Experts Warn

Published

3 weeks ago

October 27, 2024

Jean

As the clock ticks down to October 28, 2024, a silent crisis is brewing in the world of healthcare technology. The impending shutdown of 3G networks across Australia is set to impact far more than just outdated mobile phones. Medical experts and consumer advocates are sounding the alarm about the potential risks to hundreds of thousands of medical devices that rely on 3G connectivity for critical functions.

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) has labeled the situation a “ticking time bomb,” urging medical authorities to take immediate action. ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Many people are simply unaware that devices like insulin pumps, heart rate monitors, and personal safety alarms may all be impacted by the shutdown of 3G networks by Telstra and Optus. It is a major health risk.”

The scope of the problem is staggering. According to industry estimates, up to 200,000 medical devices could be affected by the 3G network closure. These devices range from life-saving implants to crucial monitoring systems that patients and healthcare providers rely on daily.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has identified several categories of medical devices that may be impacted by the 3G network shutdown, including:

Cardiac monitoring devices for resynchronization therapy (CRT)
Pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs)
Glucose data transmitters for diabetes management
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines for sleep apnea
Telehealth devices for remote patient monitoring
Wearable health monitors for various conditions
Portable automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for emergency response

The implications of these devices losing connectivity are profound. Patients with implanted cardiac devices may lose the ability to transmit critical data to their healthcare providers. Diabetics relying on continuous glucose monitors could face gaps in their blood sugar management. Sleep apnea sufferers might experience interruptions in their therapy tracking. In emergency situations, the failure of an AED to connect could mean the difference between life and death.

Beyond the devices regulated by the TGA, a host of other health and safety-related products are also at risk. These include personal safety pendants for the elderly, fall detection systems, home security alarms, and GPS tracking devices for vulnerable individuals. The potential for these systems to fail simultaneously creates a perfect storm of risk for those who depend on them most.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) has expressed serious concerns about the impact on rural and remote healthcare. RFDS Chief Information Officer Ryan Klose told a Senate inquiry that the organization relies heavily on 3G for telehealth appointments, security cameras, and clinicians’ duress alarms. “There are a lot of devices out there which are used for critical situations that simply will not be (noticed) until it’s too late,” Klose warned.

The telecommunications industry has been preparing for this transition for years, with major providers like Telstra and Optus planning to switch off their 3G networks on October 28, 2024. TPG Telecom/Vodafone has already decommissioned its 3G network at the beginning of 2024. While these companies have been running information campaigns and offering upgrades to affected customers, the medical device sector presents unique challenges.

One of the primary issues is the lack of a comprehensive registry for medical devices in Australia. Unlike pharmaceuticals, which are tightly regulated and tracked, medical devices fall into a regulatory gray area. This has led to what ACCAN’s Carol Bennett describes as “catastrophic failures historically around surgical mesh, breast implants, and ASR hip implants.”

The problem is compounded by the fact that many affected devices may have been purchased overseas or through online marketplaces. Some products claiming 4G compatibility may not actually work on Australian networks, creating a false sense of security for users.

To address these concerns, consumer advocates are calling for swift and decisive action from regulatory bodies. ACCAN is urging the Therapeutic Goods Administration to require medical device manufacturers and their agents to alert consumers about the impending changes and to implement penalties for non-compliance. They are also calling on the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to inform medical practitioners about the changes so they can manage patient care appropriately.

The telecommunications industry is also taking steps to mitigate the impact. Both Telstra and Optus have provided thousands of free or subsidised handsets to disadvantaged customers and are developing contingency plans for those who may be cut off when the networks shut down. However, industry executives admit that despite their best efforts, up to 150,000 phone users could still lose service when 3G goes dark.

The Australian government and industry stakeholders have been working to reduce the number of devices that are not compatible with 4G for emergency calls. This includes addressing the issue of phones that use 4G for regular calls and texts but rely on 3G for emergency calls due to a lack of Voice over LTE (VoLTE) capability.

As the deadline approaches, experts are advising all users of medical devices and health-related technology to take immediate action:

Contact your device manufacturer or healthcare provider to determine if your device will be affected by the 3G shutdown.
If your device is at risk, inquire about upgrade options or alternative solutions.
For mobile phones, text “3” to 3498 to check if your device is 3G-dependent.
Be cautious about using medical devices purchased overseas or online, as they may not meet Australian network requirements.
Stay informed about updates from your telecommunications provider regarding the 3G shutdown.

The impending 3G network closure represents a critical juncture for healthcare technology in Australia. As we move towards more advanced and efficient networks, it is imperative that no patient is left behind. The coming months will be crucial for healthcare providers, device manufacturers, and telecommunications companies to work together to ensure a smooth transition that prioritizes patient safety and continuity of care.

With the clock ticking, the race is on to upgrade, replace, or find alternatives for the hundreds of thousands of medical devices that have silently relied on 3G technology. The success of this transition will be measured not in network speeds or technological advancements, but in the uninterrupted care and safety of those who depend on these life-saving devices every day.

Medical

AI Breakthrough: New System Detects Early Signs of Heart Disease, Revolutionizing Preventive Care

Published

1 month ago

October 20, 2024

Jean

In a groundbreaking development that could transform the landscape of cardiovascular health, researchers have unveiled an innovative artificial intelligence system capable of detecting early signs of heart disease. This cutting-edge technology, detailed in a recent study published in the Journal of Medical AI, analyzes routine medical tests to identify potential cardiac issues long before they manifest as serious health problems.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming one life every 33 seconds. With over 700,000 deaths attributed to cardiovascular diseases in 2022 alone, the need for early detection and intervention has never been more critical. This new AI system represents a significant step forward in addressing this pressing health concern.

The AI-powered diagnostic tool, developed by a team of researchers from the National Institute of Cardiovascular Health, utilizes machine learning algorithms to analyze a combination of standard blood tests, electrocardiograms (ECGs), and patient history data. By identifying subtle patterns and markers that might escape human observation, the system can predict the likelihood of developing heart disease with remarkable accuracy.

Dr. Sarah Chen, the lead researcher on the project, explained, “Our AI system is designed to detect the earliest signs of cardiovascular issues, often years before a patient might experience symptoms. This early warning system could potentially save countless lives by allowing for timely interventions and lifestyle changes.”

The system’s effectiveness was demonstrated in a large-scale clinical trial involving over 50,000 participants across diverse demographic groups. Results showed that the AI tool was able to identify individuals at high risk of developing heart disease with an accuracy rate of 92%, significantly outperforming traditional risk assessment methods.

One of the key advantages of this new technology is its ability to integrate seamlessly into existing healthcare workflows. The American Heart Association has long advocated for improved early detection methods, and this AI system aligns perfectly with that goal. By utilizing data from routine medical tests, the system can be implemented without requiring additional, costly procedures or specialized equipment.

Dr. Michael Rodriguez, a cardiologist not involved in the study, commented on the potential impact: “This AI system could revolutionize how we approach cardiovascular health. By identifying at-risk patients earlier, we can implement preventive measures more effectively, potentially reducing the incidence of heart attacks and strokes.”

The implications of this technology extend beyond individual patient care. Health economists project that widespread adoption of this AI system could lead to significant cost savings in healthcare. By shifting the focus to prevention and early intervention, the system could help reduce the enormous financial burden associated with treating advanced heart disease, which currently costs the U.S. healthcare system over $250 billion annually.

However, as with any new medical technology, there are challenges to overcome. Privacy concerns and the need for robust data protection measures are at the forefront of discussions surrounding the implementation of AI in healthcare. The researchers behind the system emphasize their commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality and adhering to strict ethical guidelines in the use of medical data.

The National Institute of Health has expressed interest in the potential of this AI system and is currently reviewing proposals for larger-scale trials. If these trials prove successful, the technology could be rolled out to hospitals and clinics nationwide within the next few years.

The development of this AI system is part of a broader trend of technological innovation in healthcare. From wearable devices that monitor vital signs to advanced imaging techniques, the integration of technology is reshaping how we approach disease prevention and treatment.

Dr. Chen and her team are already looking to the future, exploring ways to expand the capabilities of their AI system. “We’re investigating the possibility of adapting our algorithms to detect other types of cardiovascular issues, such as arrhythmias and valve disorders,” she said. “The potential applications of this technology are vast.”

As the medical community continues to grapple with the challenges of heart disease, innovations like this AI system offer hope for a future where cardiovascular health can be managed more proactively and effectively. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, we may be on the cusp of a new era in preventive cardiology, one that could save millions of lives and improve the quality of life for countless individuals at risk of heart disease.

The journey from laboratory breakthrough to widespread clinical application is often long and complex, but the potential benefits of this AI system are clear. As further research is conducted and the technology is refined, it may well become an indispensable tool in the fight against one of the world’s most pervasive and deadly health threats.

In the coming years, as this AI system and similar technologies continue to evolve, they promise to reshape our approach to cardiovascular health, offering a future where heart disease can be identified and addressed long before it becomes life-threatening. This represents not just a technological achievement, but a beacon of hope for millions of people around the world at risk of heart disease.