RTD-Fluxgate magnetometers for detecting iron accumulation in the brain

摘要

Medical research has made a significant and ongoing effort into improving the quality of human life in all its aspects; in particular, it is committed to understanding and containing the pathological effects associated with the onset of neurodegenerative diseases which, at the moment, remain incurable. Just to mention, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases are clear examples of these pathologies [1]. It is important to iterate that early diagnosis is believed to be crucial in this research activity; in fact, monitoring the alteration of an element, recognized as strictly correlated to the disease, is essential to reduce the progression of the disease itself [2]. It is, of course, important to note that these pathologies are strongly disabling, and in detail in the case of Alzheimer's disease, the patient is deprived not only of his memory but also of his daily habits. Typically, the elderly over 65 are susceptible; nevertheless, there are earlier forms that lead to an accelerated demise of nerve cells [3]. A schematization of the process is shown in Fig. 1.