Basic memory test ‘can predict dementia years before disease shows itself’

A SIMPLE memory test can predict dementia – years before the disease develops, according to research.

Forgetfulness comes before the build-up of rogue proteins that doctors look for in brain scans, say scientists.

A study of hundreds of older people found those with minor thinking problems had more beta-amyloid in their grey matter four years later.

This is the compound that clumps together and disrupts communication between neurons – eventually killing them.

The discovery opens the door to more effective treatments for the devastating condition.

It could also slow its onset – and help maintain patients’ quality of life. Drugs that mimic the brain-boosting benefits of healthy living are an increasing area of interest.

Lead author Dr Kelsey Thomas, a neuro-psychologist at the VA (Veterans Affairs) San Diego Healthcare System in California, said: “Our research was able to detect subtle thinking and memory differences in study participants.

“These participants had faster amyloid accumulation on brain scans over time – suggesting amyloid may not necessarily come first in the Alzheimer’s disease process.

“Much of the research exploring possible treatments for Alzheimer’s disease has focused on targeting amyloid.

“But based on our findings, perhaps that focus needs to shift to other possible targets.”

It’s long been believed beta-amyloid – which forms sticky plaques in the brain – is the first sign of Alzheimer’s.

This then leads to neurodegeneration – and the eventual loss of thinking and memory skills.

But the latest findings published in Neurology suggest the subtle changes happen before – or at least alongside

– the development of amyloid plaques.

Dr Thomas’s team recruited 747 US vets with an average age of 72 who sat neuro-psychological tests.

These measured their “total” and “process” scores to determine if they had subtle thinking and memory difficulties.

While a person may do well on the former, the latter reflects how they solve problems – identifying errors in their approach to completing tasks.

Dr Thomas said: “From prior research, we know another biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease – a protein called tau – shows a consistent relationship with thinking and memory symptoms. More research is needed to determine if tau is already present in the brain when subtle thinking and memory differences begin to appear.”

She added: “Finally, our study demonstrated a method to successfully detect subtle differences in thinking and memory either before or during the phase when amyloid is accumulating at a faster rate.

“This could lead to non-invasive screenings that may be able to detect very early who is at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.”

Dementia affects 850,000 people in the UK – a figure expected to rise to 2 million by 2050. There is no cure.