Identifying Alzheimer’s early

Researchers have discovered a series of signs of Alzheimer’s that can be identified up to 25 years before symptoms occur.

The research, by a group of US scientists at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, shows five key indicators in spinal fluid and brain scans that could help us understand better how the disease develops and what types of people are more susceptible to it.

The degenerative disease, which causes severe memory loss and dementia typically after the age of 65, has no known cure. Recent figures show around 27 million sufferers of the disease worldwide.

The new study, which saw 128 patients from families considered a high risk of the disease, is an important breakthrough, as it will enable scientists to trial drugs on sufferers earlier in the diseases onset.

Dr Randall Bateman, professor of Neurology at the university and the author of the study said: “A series of changes begins in the brain decades before the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are noticed by patients or families, and this cascade of events may provide a timeline for symptomatic onset.

“As we learn more about the origins of Alzheimer’s to plan preventive treatments, this Alzheimer’s timeline will be invaluable for successful drug trials.”

The Alzheimer’s Society welcomed the news, with Professor Clive Ballard adding: “This important research highlights that key changes in the brain, linked to the inherited form of Alzheimer’s disease, happen decades before symptoms show, which may have major implications for diagnosis and treatment in the future.

“There are also good indications that these findings could apply to people with non-hereditary Alzheimer’s disease, but we can’t yet be sure. Further research into this complex condition is needed to confirm a definite link.”