Researchers have found that many adults in their 40s have tiny lesions in parts of the brain where Alzheimer's patients typically have much larger lesions. The study, published in the journal PLoS One, indicates that the signs of brain degeneration can begin long before any Alzheimer's symptoms are noticeable and the appearnace of lesions in certain areas may be an early sign.
Doctors can use a simple test of physical reactions and memory to identify adults whose lesions could be related to early-onset Alzheimer's. Researchers believe that this test could be offered by general practitioners within two years.The test could help significantly with helping to treat Alzheimer's earlier and with younger people. According to The Alzheimer's Association, the average Alzheimer's sufferer dies within eight years of the first symptoms.
"The study lays open possibilities for screening, early detection and intervention. The earlier we can intervene with people vulnerable to eventual dementia, the greater the chances of preventing or delaying the disease onset. Although we cannot be certain that these middle-aged people will go on to get dementia, the results are important" -- Professor David Bunce of Brunel University in London.
Source: AOL News
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