Dementia has become a catch-all term for certain diseases affecting the memory of tens of millions of people. The World Health Organization says over 55 million people have dementia worldwide, and it’s a leading cause of death among the elderly. A study published yesterday in the online journal Nature Mental Health found that it might be possible to detect dementia early and within minutes using a brain scan and machine learning. The World’s host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Charles Marshall, the lead researcher of the new study. He’s a neurologist at the Queen Mary University of London.
We rely on support from listeners and readers like you to keep our stories free and accessible to all. Monthly gifts are particularly meaningful because they help us plan ahead and concentrate on the stories that matter. Will you consider donating $10/month, so we can continue bringing you The World? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!