NEUROMAP PH project for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has introduced the Neuroimaging Technologies for Improved Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Conditions in the Philippines (NEUROMAP PH) project. It aims to enhance early detection and treatment of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, through innovative brain imaging technologies.

- By ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Implemented by St. Luke’s Medical Center, NEUROMAP PH is the first of its kind in the Philippines to integrate multimodal imaging systems, which include structural-functional magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI and fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging, and positron emission tomography (PET).

These systems enable clinicians to identify early markers of conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia that are often difficult to diagnose with current tools.

2.5 million dementia cases by 2050

According to a population-based study, 10.6 percent of elderly Filipinos are living with undiagnosed dementia or Alzheimer's disease, which contributed to delays in treatment.