THIS simple at-home three-minute test helps identify people at greater risk of Alzheimer’s years before diagnosis

Affecting millions of people around the world, Alzheimer’s disease slowly damages the memory, thinking, and behavior of patients. The hardest part? Alzheimer's disease still doesn’t have a cure, though treatments are available to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease for some people.So, here comes the resolution: early detection.What if a quick, simple test at home could give you an early wake-up call for Alzheimer’s disease, long before symptoms appear? That’s now possible, thanks to a cutting-edge brainwave test known as Fastball.Intrigued yet?Read on to know more about the simple at-home test.

The groundbreaking yet simple at-home test

A groundbreaking three-minute brainwave test, known as the Fastball EEG, has shown real promise. Developed by researchers at the University of Bath and the University of Bristol, this simple and passive test records your brain’s automatic response to flashing images using an EEG headset.In a recent trial with 106 older adults, including 54 healthy adults and 52 people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), the test reliably flagged subtle memory problems often linked with early Alzheimer’s. Those with amnestic MCI, which mainly affects memory, showed significantly weaker brain responses compared to others, suggesting early signs of Alzheimer’s risk. What’s more, it works outside the clinic – at home, in doctors’ offices, or senior centers – offering an accessible, less stressful way to screen for cognitive changes long before diagnosis.

This breakthrough comes at a key moment, as new Alzheimer’s drugs, like donanemab and lecanemab, are shown to work best when started early.

What is the Fastball Test and how does it work?

The Fastball test is a three-minute EEG test that monitors brain activity while you watch a series of rapidly flashing images. As a passive test, meaning you don’t have to answer questions or recall facts, it captures your brain’s natural response to familiar versus new images.

Subtle differences in these responses help spot early memory problems tied to amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition often preceding Alzheimer’s.This test uses tiny sensors on the scalp to record your brain’s automatic response while you passively watch a series of images. It’s fast, non-invasive, and can be done in the comfort of your own home – no stressful memory quizzes or complex instructions.

Why do the three minutes matter?It takes just 180 seconds to complete. According to the trial, this short test captured reliable brain responses linked to memory decline. What’s more, it worked well in real home settings, making it accessible for everyone.

Why this test is a game-changer

Ultra-fast and stress-free: Three minutes is all it takes, and there’s no pressure or confusion; it simply reads your brain's electrical signals.Home-friendly: The test can be done at home, making early screening easier and more comfortable for those who find clinic visits hard.Actionable results: Detecting MCI early means you might qualify sooner for promising treatments like donanemab and lecanemab, medicines most effective in early Alzheimer’s stages.Reliable over time: Healthy older adults showed consistent results across repeat tests, showing Fastball's reliability.

How to do the test at home?

Set up calmly: Find a quiet, well-lit space and settle in. Avoid distractions like TV or noise.Wear the EEG headset correctly: Fit the sensors snugly on the scalp following the provided guide.

Your hair should be clean and dry.Sit still and relaxed: Lean back, stay calm, and simply watch the images on the screen. No need to remember or speak, just relax.Stay focused for three minutes: Keep your eyes on the screen for the full test duration. The device records brainwaves automatically.Send data to your clinician: Once done, while you won’t get the results directly, your healthcare provider will receive and interpret them as part of your memory assessment

Why early detection makes a difference

New drugs like donanemab and lecanemab work best in early Alzheimer’s stages.

Fastball can help identify high-risk individuals sooner, boosting access to those transformative treatments. Missing early signs means losing precious time for effective intervention.

What’s next?

Researchers stress that while this is a promising step, larger, long-term studies are essential to confirm its predictive power and role in Alzheimer’s care. Alzheimer’s Research UK and UCL experts see Fastball as an encouraging early tool, especially when paired with tests like blood biomarkers and cognitive assessments.Fastball’s promise lies in its potential to reach those often missed by traditional screening, whether due to disabilities, location, or fear of testing. Backed by £1.5 million in government funding, it’s now being tested on 1,000 more people in Bristol to scale its use and boost dementia diagnosis rates. Experts urge larger, longer-term studies to confirm its predictive power and investigate how it fits with other diagnostic tools.