MRI may predict which adults will develop Alzheimers

Scientists believe that they may be able to predict which adults who currently have mild cognitive impairment may eventually develop Alzheimer's disease. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is defined as "an intermediate stage between the decline in mental abilities that occurs in normal aging and the more pronounced deterioration associated with dementia". Roughly 15% of patients with MCI develop Alzheimer's each year. Doctor's are able to use an MRI to measure the thickness of the cerebral cortex since Alzheimer's is associated with brain atrophy. Although there is currently no cure for the disease, it will be very important to know how to diagnose it early whenever a treatment is discovered.

I am very interested in this article because my Grandpa has Alzheimer's. I have seen what a horrible disease this is, and any step towards understand it further is a step in the right direction.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110406085054.htm