Memory loss not only early indicator of Alzheimer’s

New research into how the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s affect the brain suggests that mental abilities outside of memory, such as spatial awareness, may decline years before clinical diagnosis is usually made.

Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine assessed 444 individuals who did not have dementia between 1979 and 2006. Each participant was followed through clinical evaluations for several years. From the group, 134 individuals developed dementia and 310 did not; 44 with dementia died with Alzheimer’s, diagnosed by autopsy.

Using their assessment data, researchers evaluated the cognitive decline of the individuals with dementia, identifying a fall in visuospatial abilities three years before diagnosis. Declines in overall cognitive abilities followed in the next year, and verbal and working memory problems were identified one year before clinical diagnosis.

Rebecca Wood, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, said:

"Early intervention will be crucial to the effectiveness of the Alzheimer’s treatments of the future, so methods of improving detection will become increasingly important. This study suggests that diagnostic tests could be broadened to pick up the disease earlier.

"Early diagnosis is critical in helping people to prepare for the future and access support services, and the Alzheimer’s Research Trust funds leading studies in this area. With 700,000 in the UK living with a form of dementia, we must invest in research now to find a way to prevent, treat or cure this devastating disease to provide hope for the future."

(Source: Alzheimer’s Research Trust: October 2009)