US study establishes first detailed timeline for brain's descent into Alzheimer's

The research was undertaken as part of an international research partnership known as the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer's Network (DIAN), involving scientists at Washington University and elsewhere.

Individuals in the study have a 50 percent chance of inheriting one of three mutations that are certain to cause Alzheimer's, often at an unusually young age.

Using medical histories of the subjects' parents to estimate the age of the onset of symptoms for the study participants, the scientists assembled a timeline of changes in the brain leading to the memory loss and cognitive decline that characterizes Alzheimer's. The earliest of these changes, a drop in spinal fluid levels of the key ingredient of Alzheimer's brain plaques, can be detected 25 years before the anticipated age of onset. As an example, Bateman says that the new data show that plaques become visible on brain scans 15 years before memory problems become apparent.

(Taken from Washington University School of Medicine's press release)

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'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.'

Professor Clive Ballard
Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society

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