A recent study published in Neurology found that cognitively healthy older adults who self-reported memory problems showed early signs of Alzheimer’s disease in their brains. This discovery could potentially lead to earlier detection of Alzheimer’s and the initiation of treatment before symptoms begin, which is likely to be more effective. By recruiting older adults with concerns about their memory but with no cognitive impairments, the researchers were able to link self-reported memory loss to elevated levels of proteins associated with Alzheimer’s. This suggests that individuals experiencing memory problems may have neurological signs of Alzheimer’s despite being cognitively healthy.
The study, conducted by researchers from Harvard Medical School, involved 675 older adults with an average age of 72 who underwent cognitive tests to confirm they had no impairments. Each participant had a partner, such as a child, spouse, or friend, who also answered questions about the participant’s memory and thinking skills. Brain scans revealed that individuals with self-reported memory issues had higher levels of tau tangles, associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The study found that people with elevated levels of amyloid were also more likely to have higher levels of tau, indicating a strong association between memory problems and biomarkers of Alzheimer’s.
According to Verna Porter, MD, a neurologist not involved in the study, the proteins associated with Alzheimer’s interfere with the formation of memories at a biochemical and structural level, leading to changes in the brain. Researchers were surprised to find that participants with elevated levels of amyloid displayed memory complaints associated with higher tau tangles. This suggests that asking older individuals with elevated Alzheimer’s biomarkers about memory issues may help with early detection of the disease, as treatments given during the earliest stages are predicted to be most effective. The study plans to follow up with longitudinal data to understand how this relationship works over time.
Early signs of Alzheimer’s to look out for include repetitive questioning, forgetfulness, difficulty finding words, slowed task completion, frequent misplacement of objects, getting lost in familiar places, and sudden changes in mood or behavior. While cognitive decline is a normal part of aging, Alzheimer’s is not, and identifying these signs early can lead to better outcomes. Modifiable risk factors for dementia include an unhealthy lifestyle, such as smoking, drinking, and sedentary behavior, as well as conditions like stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, and obesity. Addressing these factors can reduce an individual’s risk of developing dementia.
Other factors that can increase the risk of dementia include hearing loss and social isolation. Stimulating the brain through activities, using a hearing aid if needed, and maintaining social engagement are recommended to reduce dementia risk. Additionally, avoiding head injuries, areas with high air pollution, and managing daily stress levels can also help lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying mentally and socially active, and managing stress can all contribute to better brain health and reduce the risk of dementia.
