Portable Brain Monitor Uses Light to Detect Early Signs of Dementia

A compact brain-monitoring device may soon make it easier to detect dementia in its early stages without relying on expensive hospital imaging. Developed by researchers in the United Kingdom, the system uses broadband near-infrared spectroscopy (bNIRS) to measure subtle metabolic changes in the brain that are associated with cognitive decline.

Unlike MRI or PET scans, which require specialized facilities and can be costly, this wearable device is portable and noninvasive. It works by shining near-infrared light into the brain and analyzing how the light interacts with molecules involved in energy production. One key target is cytochrome c oxidase (oxCCO), a mitochondrial enzyme that plays a central role in cellular metabolism. Previous studies have shown that oxCCO activity tends to decrease in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, making it a promising biomarker for early diagnosis.

In a pilot study, researchers tested the device on three groups of older adults: healthy individuals, those with mild cognitive impairment, and those diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s. Participants were shown a simple visual stimulus-a checkerboard pattern, while the device recorded changes in blood oxygenation and oxCCO activity in the visual cortex.

The results revealed distinct differences in brain responses across the groups. Signal patterns varied in amplitude and timing depending on cognitive status. When researchers used statistical models to link these brain signals to cognitive test scores, they found a strong correlation. Including oxCCO measurements improved the model’s accuracy, suggesting that this metabolic marker adds valuable diagnostic insight.

Because the device is wearable and easy to operate, it could be used in community clinics or even at home. This would allow for more frequent monitoring of brain health and provide clinicians with a practical way to track disease progression or evaluate treatment responses.