Scientists found that subjective memory disorders in conjunction with conspicuous levels of beta-amyloid proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid are a strong indication of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The study results could contribute to the early detection and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
The research is published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia and was conducted by Frank Jessen et al.
When people feel that their memory or other mental abilities are declining, but objective tests do not reveal any deterioration, this is referred to in medicine as “subjective cognitive impairment,” or SCD for short.
The phenomenon has been a topic of research for several years.
By now it has turned out that SCD is a risk factor, but not a conclusive warning sign for upcoming dementia. To assess the individual risk more accurately, other factors have to be taken into account.
In the study, the team examined the cognitive performance of almost 1,000 older women and men for several years.
In addition, the cerebrospinal fluid of many study participants is analyzed and brain volume is determined by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The protein beta-amyloid, which accumulates in the brain in the course of Alzheimer’s disease, played an important role in the investigations.
Deposition of beta-amyloid, like SCD, is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. On their own, however, neither phenomenon is a clear indicator of disease.
But the picture sharpens when these phenomena are considered together and over a longer time period.
During the study period, some subjects from the SCD group and also some from the control group evolved measurable cognitive deficits. This was particularly evident in amyloid-positive subjects with SCD at baseline.
The team says if you classify Alzheimer’s into six stages according to common practice, with stage 6 representing severe dementia, then the combination of SCD and amyloid-positive status corresponds to stage 2.
This occurs before the stage where measurable symptoms first appear and is also referred to as mild cognitive impairment.
To date, there is no effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. However, it is generally believed that therapy should begin as early as possible.
If you care about Alzheimer’s, please read studies about the root cause of cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s, and 5 steps to protect against Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that herb rosemary could help fight COVID-19, Alzheimer’s disease, and results showing this stuff in mouth may help prevent Alzheimer’s.
Copyright © 2022 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
