Alzheimer’s hallmark could affect brain function of healthy adults, study claims

Scientists from the University of Texas took brain scans of 137 people aged 30 to 89 who did not have dementia. Participants were also tested for the gene APOE4 which is known to increase risk of Alzheimer's.

The research, published in Neurology, found around 20 per cent of adults aged 60 and older had significantly elevated levels of amyloid beta. Higher levels of this protein were linked with lower test scores related to working memory, reasoning and speed of processing information. 

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'We have known for some time that changes in the brain happen many years before symptoms of dementia appear. We don't yet know whether the lower brain performance recorded here is happening to healthy people or to people who are in the very early stages of Alzheimer's.'

'Improving our understanding of what causes Alzheimer's and other sorts of dementia is essential if we are to move forward with drug development and ultimately find a cure. One in three people over 65 will die with dementia yet there is currently eight times less spent on dementia research than cancer research. We must invest now.'

Dr Anne Corbett
Research Manager
Alzheimer's Society

Research Reference: 'Beta-Amyloid burden in healthy aging' by Rodrigue 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 less than ten 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
  
• Alzheimer's Society and Tesco have mapped the number of people with dementia in each part of the UK and the percentage who receive a diagnosis. To view the 'Mapping the Dementia Gap' study visit alzheimers-tesco.org.uk