The spectre of dementia looms earlier than many realize, often appearing in midlife. This can stem from various factors, such as the stress of caring for aging parents or personal memory lapses. While we all experience forgetfulness and changes in judgment, distinguishing these from the early signs of Alzheimer’s can be challenging. Tragically, many individuals only receive a diagnosis after the disease has progressed too far to effectively manage.
According to Dr. Alex Osborne, a policy manager at the Alzheimer’s Society, “Currently, the vast majority of people living with dementia don’t have access to the specialist tests needed to confirm whether they have the disease.” The pandemic has significantly impacted diagnosis rates, which have reached a five-year low. With dementia being the leading cause of death in the UK, there is an urgent need to improve diagnostic processes to ensure individuals receive the necessary care and support.
Recent advancements in the field, particularly by the US-based Alzheimer’s Association, are paving the way for new approaches to predict the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s long before any symptoms manifest. For instance, blood tests that assess levels of amyloid and tau proteins—two key markers associated with Alzheimer’s—are now under development. High levels of these proteins could indicate a risk of developing the disease, potentially allowing for earlier intervention.
What You Will Learn
- Understanding the early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
- The significance of timely diagnosis and access to specialized tests.
- How new blood tests can predict Alzheimer’s risk before symptoms appear.
- The role of lifestyle choices in supporting cognitive health and reducing risks.
