Alzheimer Symptoms Can Begin Years Before They Appear
Experts state that brain changes specific to Alzheimer's disease can begin years before noticeable symptoms appear in daily life, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis methods.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ülkü Figen Demir, Neurology Specialist at Medicana Health Group, stated that certain changes specific to Alzheimer's disease can begin years before symptoms manifest in a person's daily life.
The Alzheimer Process and Onset
Alzheimer can be a process that begins long before distinct forgetfulness becomes apparent in daily life. Certain changes in the brain associated with the disease can start 10-20 years before symptoms.
Clinical observations and recent studies show that the underlying pathological changes develop silently over a prolonged preclinical phase.
Changes in the Brain and Proteins
Changes specific to the disease can begin in the brain years in advance, associated with beta-amyloid and tau proteins. Age, genetic characteristics, and modifiable risk factors are evaluated together.
Blood Tests in Early Diagnosis
New methods, such as blood biomarkers, are among the important developments aimed at understanding the disease at an earlier stage. A biomarker called p-tau217 provides information about tau protein changes.
Modifiable Risk Factors
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, hearing loss, sleep disorders, and lack of physical activity are among the modifiable risk factors. Keeping these factors under control is of great importance.