Bayer: Science For A Better Life - research

Early identification of Alzheimer’s

Visualizing memory loss

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Gradually increasing confusion: Alzheimer’s patients suffer a deterioration of their mental capacities. Protein deposits in the brain (shown in red) which lead to the slow death of nerve cells and the loss of brain mass are believed to be responsible.

Alzheimer’s disease is a distressing diagnosis for patients and their families alike. Its progression is slow but inexorable: nerve cells in the brain die off, causing it to shrink more and more, with death the inevitable outcome. Medical science still has no cure for the disease and it is often difficult to diagnose whilst those affected are still alive.

Tracing the protein
Researchers at Bayer are now trying to make it easier to identify Alzheimer’s disease using a non-invasive method of examination. They are developing a new substance for molecular imaging, which will identify the dangerous protein deposits in the brain at an early stage. Read more about the hopes which medicine is placing in the new substance.