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New research has revealed that Alzheimer's key biomarker could be identified in the retina and lens of the eye, moreover, the ability to identify odors might indicate the development of cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease in its early ages. The study found that the decreased ability to identify odors was significantly associated with loss of brain cell function and progression to Alzheimer's disease. In two other studies, the level of beta-amyloid detected in the eye was significantly correlated with the burden of beta-amyloid in the brain and allowed researchers to accurately identify the people with Alzheimer's in the studies. (Read: Could you suffer from Alzheimer's in the future? Take this blood test to find out)
Beta-amyloid protein is the primary material found in the sticky brain "plaques" characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. It was known to build up in the brain many years before typical Alzheimer's symptoms of memory loss and other cognitive problems. Heather Snyder, Ph.D., said that advanced researches were needed in the very promising area of Alzheimer's biomarkers because early detection was essential for early intervention and prevention, when new treatments become available. (Read: Coming soon a drug to cure Alzheimer's)
Clinically, at this time it was only possible to detect Alzheimer's late in its development, when significant brain damage has already occurred, however, biological markers of Alzheimer's disease might be able to detect it at an earlier stage. (Read: Now smart-homes to detect Alzheimer's signs in the elderly)
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What is alzhiemer's?
Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative mental disease that causes problems with memory, thinking and behaviour. It is the most common form of dementia and is commonly seen in the elderly. While the chances of developing the disease increase with age, it is now seen that younger people are also now being diagnosedwith the disease.
During the course of Alzheimer's disease, nerve cells in areas of the brain that control language, reasoning, sensory processing, and conscious thought die due to plaque deposition. Symptoms include confusion, mood swings, impaired reasoning or judgement, long-term memory loss and a gradual loss of bodily functions.Dementia is the most prominently visible symptom. People with Alzheimer's begin to have problems recognising family and friends. They also find it exceptionally difficult to learn new things, carry out tasks that involve multiple steps (like getting dressed) and cope with new situations. They might suffer from insomnia. In the more severe stages of Alzheimer's disease, the brain completely shrinks and they become increasinglydependent on others.
The diagnosis of Alzheimer's is usually based on collective symptoms and family history. Other tests that can be performed are mental status tests and radiological tests. A recent advancement in the diagnosis of the disease is the use of biomarkers. Current treatments for Alzheimer's are based on treating the symptoms but they do not eliminate the cause. The best way to slow the process and prevent it from progressing is early medical intervention. The earlier the condition is identified, the better the prognosis. Treatments include medications for memory loss and treatments for behavioural and sleep changes. Intervention therapies like reminiscence therapy, simulated presence therapy and validation theory may improve the quality of a patient's life. Read more about Alzheimer's disease are you at risk?
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With inputs from ANI
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