A recent study published in Neurology found that cognitively healthy individuals who self-reported memory problems had early signs of Alzheimer’s disease in their brains. The study recruited older adults without cognitive impairments but with concerns about memory loss. Participants underwent brain scans to look for protein markers of Alzheimer’s such as amyloid plaques and tau tangles. The study found that individuals who reported memory problems were more likely to have elevated levels of these proteins associated with Alzheimer’s.
The results of this study may help experts detect Alzheimer’s disease sooner, allowing for earlier treatment. Research suggests that starting treatment before symptoms begin is likely to be more effective in slowing the progression of the disease. The study included 675 older adults with an average age of 72 who underwent cognitive tests and answered questions about their memory and daily tasks. Participants also had partners who provided feedback on their cognitive abilities. The brain scans revealed that individuals with self-reported memory problems had higher levels of tau tangles, a marker of Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the presence of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, which impair cell signaling and eventually lead to cell death. The study found that individuals with elevated levels of amyloid in the brain were also more likely to have higher levels of tau. The association between memory problems and Alzheimer’s biomarkers was particularly strong in individuals with both amyloid and tau. The study’s lead author, Rebecca E. Amariglio, noted that subjective cognitive decline may be valuable for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease.
Early signs of Alzheimer’s to look out for include repetitive questioning, word-finding difficulties, misplaced objects, getting lost in familiar places, mood changes, and personality shifts. While some cognitive decline is a normal part of aging, Alzheimer’s and other dementias are not. Modifiable risk factors for dementia include conditions like stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, and obesity. Addressing modifiable risk factors such as sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and social isolation can help reduce the risk of developing dementia.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying cognitively, socially, and physically active, using hearing aids if needed, and minimizing stress are all important ways to reduce the risk of dementia. Social engagement, stimulation, and cognitive activity are crucial for maintaining cognitive function and brain health. It is never too late to start making positive lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing dementia. Researchers continue to study the relationship between subjective cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s biomarkers to improve early detection and treatment of the disease.
