Alzheimer's May Begin 7 Years Before Brain Scans Detect It
Summary
New research shows that changes in the brain linked to Alzheimer's disease can begin at least seven years before current brain scans can detect amyloid plaques, which have been seen as the earliest sign of the disease. These early changes were found using MRI scans and suggest that the Alzheimer's disease process starts earlier than previously thought.Key Facts
- Alzheimer's disease has been detected early by looking for amyloid plaques on PET brain scans.
- New study followed healthy older adults with repeated MRI scans for nearly 20 years.
- Structural changes in the brain appeared at least seven years before amyloid plaques showed on PET scans.
- These early changes could mean that brain damage is happening before plaques are visible.
- Researchers suggest different biological processes might start the disease before amyloid plaques form.
- Blood and spinal fluid tests have also shown changes long before plaques appear on brain scans.
- Understanding these early changes may help improve diagnosis and lead to better treatments.
- Blood tests for certain proteins (like plasma p-tau217) are being used to speed Alzheimer’s diagnosis but they are not perfect.
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