Expert statement on Alzheimer's: It begins years before symptoms
Neurology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ülkü Figen Demir emphasized that the Alzheimer's process begins in the brain 10-20 years before daily symptoms appear, highlighting the importance of blood tests in early diagnosis.
Neurology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ülkü Figen Demir reported that changes specific to Alzheimer's disease can begin in the brain 10-20 years before any symptoms appear in daily life.
The Alzheimer's process begins years in advance
Neurology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ülkü Figen Demir stated that certain changes specific to Alzheimer's disease can begin long before noticeable forgetfulness appears in a person's daily life.
It was noted that disease-related processes in the brain can start 10-20 years before symptoms, during which changes related to proteins called beta-amyloid and tau can develop.
Risk factors and genetic elements
It was stated that the presence of such changes in the brain does not necessarily mean the person will develop Alzheimer's, and that age, genetic characteristics, and risk factors must be evaluated together in the development of the disease.
Blood tests and early diagnosis
It was recorded that blood tests have become an important area of research in early diagnosis, and that a biomarker named p-tau217 can provide information about tau protein changes in the brain.
Modifiable risks and lifestyle
It was emphasized that in addition to modifiable risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, hearing loss, and sleep apnea, regular physical activity is important for protecting brain health.