A new study by researchers from the University of Helsinki and the University of Tampere has revealed that Lewy body disease, a major cause of brain degeneration second only to Alzheimer’s disease, might be more prevalent in middle-aged individuals than previously recognized.
Their research found that nearly one in ten people over the age of 50 show brain tissue signs of this disease, challenging earlier beliefs about its onset.
Lewy body disease is characterized by the accumulation of Lewy bodies – deposits of the alpha-synuclein protein – in key areas of the brain involved in movement, memory, and emotion.
These protein deposits are similar to those observed in Parkinson’s disease, making the two conditions closely related in their pathological features.
Traditionally, Lewy body disease has been difficult to diagnose in its early stages due to its gradual progression and the wide range of symptoms it presents, including movement disorders, cognitive impairments, and psychiatric symptoms. This complexity often leads to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
In an innovative approach, the Finnish research team sought to uncover the presence of Lewy body disease markers in a younger demographic than those typically studied, focusing on individuals in their middle age who had not been diagnosed with Lewy body or Parkinson’s diseases.
This investigation was significant as it aimed to understand the early development of the disease, before symptoms become apparent.
Utilizing a unique set of data from Finnish forensic autopsies, which included around 600 individuals aged between 16 and 95 who had died outside of hospital settings, the researchers made a striking discovery.
They identified Lewy body disease changes in 9% of individuals over 50 who had no clinical diagnosis of the disease or of Parkinson’s disease. This finding suggests that the disease may start to develop in the brain during middle age, well before any clinical symptoms emerge.
Associate Professor Liisa Myllykangas, leading the study, emphasized the importance of their findings, noting that further research is needed to confirm these initial results.
The early detection of Lewy body disease is crucial, as it opens the door to more effective treatments in the initial stages of the disease or even before it fully develops.
This proactive approach could significantly improve the quality of life for those at risk of developing degenerative brain diseases.
The implications of this study are profound. By extending our understanding of when Lewy body disease begins to emerge, it sets the stage for early intervention strategies that could delay or mitigate the progression of this debilitating condition.
As research continues, the hope is that these early insights will lead to breakthroughs in treatment, offering hope to millions of middle-aged individuals who may be unknowingly living with the early stages of Lewy body disease.
If you care about brain health, please read studies about Vitamin B9 deficiency linked to higher dementia risk, and cranberries could help boost memory.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about heartburn drugs that could increase risk of dementia, and results showing this MIND diet may protect your cognitive function, prevent dementia.
The research findings can be found in the Annals of Neurology.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
