Could a 3-minute brainwave test transform Alzheimer’s diagnosis?

Many people have reported that standard cognitive tests that help diagnose dementia feel like exams. Questions in the tests, such as ‘what is the date?’, cause unnecessary stress, as most people have enough cognitive function to understand that they should know the answer. 

The Fastball test has the potential to change that, removing anxiety for the test participant. It is an image recognition test that involves showing a person a fast stream of pictures. It involves showing a person some pictures for them to remember. Then, showing the picture to them again at a very fast rate, mixed with pictures they have not seen. The test aims to improve the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment. 

Dr George Stothart, co-Chief Investigator on the study at the University of Bath, said: “We have developed a passive 3-minute task in which participants do not have to verbally or behaviourally respond to give answers. Participants don’t even have to understand the instructions. All they have to do is watch a series of images that flash on screen, while wearing an electroencephalography (EEG) headset. EEG measures brain activity via an easy-to-use headset.

“The imagery behind the test is designed to elicit distinct memory responses without the participant actively engaging in the task. The images reoccur and through the EEG headset, we can detect brainwaves from areas of the brain that recognise images. This shows whether the person remembers the pictures or not.”

Transforming Alzheimer’s diagnosis

The Fastball test is a passive test that can be done at home. This means there is no need to answer questions or prepare in any way, removing additional stresses that come with traditional diagnostic testing. The test also eliminates language, cultural, and educational barriers. 

Dr Stothart continued: “Fastball is a passive task, and it is a direct measure of the brain’s activity, that doesn’t require participants to respond or even understand the task at hand.” 

While initial findings have proven the test works in labs, there is still a long way to go before the test could be offered to the public. The Fastball test is now being studied with more than 1,000 people across 4.5 years.

“We are hoping to establish the Fastball test’s accuracy through further research. We hope to one day provide a new tool for clinicians in hospitals and GP surgeries to detect dementia.”

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