A recent study published in Neurology found that cognitively healthy older adults who self-reported memory problems had early signs of Alzheimer’s in their brains. The results of the study suggest that detecting Alzheimer’s at an earlier stage could help in initiating treatment sooner. The study recruited older adults with concerns about their memory but no measurable cognitive impairments, and found that those who reported memory loss were more likely to have elevated levels of proteins associated with Alzheimer’s. This suggests that starting treatment before symptoms begin may be more effective in managing the disease.
The study involved 675 older adults with an average age of 72 who underwent cognitive tests to confirm they had no cognitive impairments. They were asked questions about their memory and thinking skills, as well as their ability to perform daily tasks. Brain scans were conducted to detect amyloid plaques and tau tangles, proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease. These proteins interfere with the formation of memories and alter the brain’s structure and function, leading to cognitive decline and cell death. The study found that individuals with self-reported memory problems had higher levels of tau tangles, especially when combined with elevated levels of amyloid, indicating early signs of Alzheimer’s despite being cognitively healthy.
The findings of the study suggest that asking older individuals about subjective cognitive decline in relation to Alzheimer’s biomarkers could be valuable in early detection of the disease. Detecting Alzheimer’s at its earliest diagnosable stage is crucial for initiating treatments that are most effective in slowing the progression of the disease. Early signs of Alzheimer’s to look out for include repetitive questioning, forgetting words or phrases, taking longer to complete tasks, misplacing objects, getting lost in familiar places, or sudden changes in mood or behavior. While some risk factors for dementia, such as genetics and age, are not modifiable, addressing factors like sedentary lifestyle, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and hearing loss can reduce the risk. Social isolation, stress, head injury, and air pollution are also potential risk factors for dementia that could be mitigated.
Modifiable risk factors such as lifestyle choices and health conditions like stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, and obesity contribute to about one-third of dementia cases. It is recommended to stay cognitively, socially, and physically active within one’s means to maintain cognitive function. Stimulating the brain through social engagement and avoiding stress can help reduce the risk of dementia. Finding ways to minimize daily stresses, staying physically active, and maintaining social connections can be beneficial in keeping the brain active and healthy. Early detection of Alzheimer’s through subjective cognitive decline assessments and brain scans can lead to timely treatment that may slow down the progression of the disease. Further research is needed to validate these findings and understand the relationship between memory problems and Alzheimer’s biomarkers over time.
