Research has shown that even if cognitive abilities are average, memory issues could increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The results from a study investigating the correlation between memory and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in elderly people with normal cognitive abilities were published in the journal Neurology.
A decline in cognitive ability is a natural part of aging. However, a significant decline, such as that seen in Alzheimer’s disease, is considered pathological.
Several risk factors contribute to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, and more than one-third of all Alzheimer’s cases are due to modifiable risk factors. These include lack of exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes, and social isolation.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School studied the impact of memory on the onset of Alzheimer’s disease in 675 elderly individuals with normal cognitive abilities, with an average age of 72. The subjects underwent tests on memory, thinking, and everyday task performance.
The research team took brain scans of the study participants to determine the accumulation of two protein markers related to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease: amyloid-beta plaque and tau tangles.
The study found that individuals with memory problems had a higher accumulation of amyloid beta plaque and tau tangles in their brains. The researchers stated that these results suggest that even if cognitive abilities are normal, a slight decline in memory could significantly increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Most Commented