Virtual reality maze could predict onset of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease could be detected years before the onset using a virtual reality maze, according to research published in the journal Science.

The study, led by Lukas Kunz of the German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Bonn, revealed that people at risk of Alzheimer’s had lower activity in a newly-discovered network of navigational brain cells known as ‘grid cells'.

Scientists believe the findings could lead to new ways of diagnosing the disease, which currently effects 500,000 people living in the UK.

Dr Laura Phipps of Alzheimer's Research, said: “Although we don't know whether the young people in this study will go on to develop Alzheimer's, characterising early brain changes associated with genetic risk factors is important to help researchers better understand why some people may be more susceptible to the disease later in life.

"The risk factors for Alzheimer's are diverse, including age, genetics and lifestyle, and research is vital to allow us to unpick how each of these factors could contribute to a person's risk of the disease."

Neuroscientist’s recruited two groups of young adults aged 18 to 30, without symptoms of Alzheimer’s. The first group carried a copy of a gene known as APOE-e4 variant, the largest genetic risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s later in life.

Both groups were invited to navigate through a virtual maze to test the function of certain brain cells. Brain activity was monitored based on blood flow.

Scientists found behavioural differences depending on which part of the brain participants used to navigate. Those with a high genetic risk of Alzheimer's navigated the maze differently and had reduced functioning of a type of brain cell involved in spatial navigation.

Those with fewer ‘grid cell’ representations were more likely to keep to the edges of the virtual environment during the trial. Yet, the second group used the entire area.

Scientists believe the findings could give an insight into why people with dementia can find navigating the world around them challenging.

While researchers suggest it is too early to use the navigational test as an early diagnostic for Alzheimer’s, insights into the disease’s progression and mechanism could be a step toward preventative therapies.