The problem is that diagnosis is only possible in advanced stages, when treatments, most of which only mask symptoms, are least effective. If scientists could learn more about the disease itself, particularly about how it begins and how the plaques that cause it progress to full-blown Alzheimer's's, better treatments should be possible. "[Alzheimer's] is a bit of a mystery to us," said Hanlon. "It could take 10 years, it could be 20, it could take a lifetime for these plaques to develop," said Hanlon. "We just don't know." Still, the first step of identifying Alzheimer's is exciting to Northwestern University researcher Vadim Backman. "For the first time we may have a diagnostic that has a chance of working in live patients," said Backman. According to Backman, with some tweaking and refinement, the laser diagnostic could be used for diseases other than Alzheimer's as well. "This is an important result, a new way of analyzing tissue," said Backman. "This technique could eventually be used to diagnose almost any disease." Related Links: Eric Bland's blog: Interior Design |
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