Changes in the brain could be detected decade before Alzheimer's symptoms are seen
Published 13 April 2011
Brain shrinkage could act as an indicator of Alzheimer’s disease around 10 years before symptoms begin to be seen according to a study published in Neurology.
Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School in Boston and Rush University in Chicago used MRI scans to measure the thickness of parts of an area of the brain called the cortex in 65 people. Thinning of the cortex is a hallmark of Alzheimer's.
They divided participants into groups of high, average and low thickness measurements. Of the 11 in the lowest size category, 55% went on to develop Alzheimer's, compared to 20% of the average and none of the high.
Alzheimer's Society comment:
'We have known for some time that changes in the brain can happen a long time before a person starts showing symptoms. Research such as this is helping us build on our understanding of where these changes happen and how early. However, while these latest results are significant, it is a small sample size and we are still some way from being able to say for certain which people will go on to develop Alzheimer's.'
'There are 750,000 people living with dementia in the UK yet dementia research is still desperately underfunded. If we are to move closer to understanding the causes and finding a cure we must invest now.'
Dr Anne Corbett
Research Manager
Alzheimer's Society
Reference: 'Alzheimer's-signature MRI biomarker predicts AD dementia in cognitively normal adults' by BC Dickerson et al in Neurology
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Notes to editors:
- One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
- Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just 10 years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051
- Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them
- Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
- Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
