By Amber Roman
A recent study conducted by researchers at Mass General Brigham reinforces the importance of taking persistent signs of memory loss seriously, suggesting that both patients and their families should consult a doctor if they suspect anything. Scientists have found that when patients or those close to them report a decline in cognition, significant changes are observed in the brain, which could indicate the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
The research team, made up of experts from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, has presented their findings in the journal Neurology, from the American Academy of Neurology. Using advanced imaging techniques, researchers found that complaints of cognitive problems correlate with the accumulation of tau tangles, a hallmark marker of Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Rebecca E. Amariglio, a clinical neuropsychologist and lead author of the study, stressed the importance of paying attention to memory concerns. According to Amariglio, “Something as simple as asking about memory problems can track the severity of the disease in the preclinical stage of Alzheimer’s disease.” This study confirms that brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease begin long before clinical symptoms are evident.
The study, led by first author Michalina F. Jadick, included 675 participants from several research programs, including studies of anti-amyloid treatment in asymptomatic Alzheimer’s disease and the longitudinal evaluation of amyloid risk (A4/LEARN), as well as like the Harvard Brain Aging Study. The participants, who had not yet been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease but were at risk for cognitive decline, completed assessments of their cognitive function alongside a study partner who also answered questions about their daily cognition.
Each of the participants underwent PET scans to measure levels of tau and beta amyloid in the brain. The results revealed that the presence of these markers was associated with greater self-reported impairment in cognitive function, both by patients and their study partners. This demonstrates that subjective perceptions of memory changes can be valuable and complementary indicators to objective tests of cognitive performance.
Importantly, the study authors acknowledge some limitations, such as the racial and educational homogeneity of the participants, who were mostly white and highly educated. The researchers emphasize the need for future studies that include a more diverse sample and follow participants over a longer period of time.
Amariglio cautions that noticing a change in cognition should not immediately be interpreted as a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. However, he insists that the concerns of patients and their families should not be dismissed. Early detection and adequate follow-up may be crucial for early management and intervention in Alzheimer’s disease.
This study provides a deeper understanding of how early signs of cognitive decline may be related to the brain changes characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. Early detection allows for better planning and management of the disease, and highlights the importance of listening to and assessing patients’ and their families’ subjective concerns about memory and cognition.
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