The results of a new study conducted by the Mayo Clinic may help physicians diagnose dementia patients earlier, according to a July 11, 2009 press release. The study’s researchers used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology to diagnose three neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, and Lewy body disease). Currently, such conditions can only accurately be diagnosed through autopsies after the patient’s death, but the new use of the technology may help physicians diagnose individuals who are in the early stages of the diseases.
The results were presented at the Alzheimer’s Association’s International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD) on July 11, 2009, in Vienna, Austria. Other preliminary research reported at ICAD found that physicians’ positive attitudes about Alzheimer’s disease, such as the belief that treatments for the disease are effective, are important to ensuring early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and better patient outcomes, according to a July 12, 2009 press release from the Alzheimer’s Association. Other factors that may improve outcomes include physicians’ early referral of patients to support services (e.g., financial planning, education on the disease), support from patients’ families, and physician honesty and openness with patients. More information on ICAD is available at icad@alz.org.