Researchers Develop New Test To Predict Alzheimer's Risk; Initial Signs Of Alzheimer's Disease

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A new testing method that combines the effect of over two dozen gene mutations can predict who will suffer from dementia or cognitive decline.

APOE E4 has been considered as the genetic predictor of whether someone is likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. This method is known to be better than testing only for the well-known genetic variant APOE E4.

Beyond APOE E4, the polygenic hazard score can identify cognitively normal and mildly impaired older folks who are at a greater risk of developing this disease.

Autopsies of those who did not develop Alzheimer's disease showed that even among those who did not carry a copy of the APOE E4 variant, a higher PHS was associated with a higher level of amyloid plaque, a protein which is an aggregate of Alzheimer's in the brain.

Alzheimer's may be a result of a disease that begins years or even decades before the symptoms of dementia appear. The PHS test enables researchers to calculate an age-specific risk of developing Alzheimer's, based on each person's share of 31 genetic variants, plus APOE E4.

In this article, we have also listed some of the initial signs of Alzheimer's disease. Read further to find out.

1. Memory Loss:

One of the common signs of Alzheimer's disease is memory loss, especially forgetting whatever happened recently. Others include forgetting important dates, events, the need to rely on memory aids.

2. Challenges In Planning Or Solving Problems:

Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop or follow a proper plan. They may also have problems in keeping a track of the daily records, monthly bills, etc. This is one of the initial signs of Alzheimer's disease.

3. Difficulty In Completing Familiar Tasks:

People with Alzheimer's disease often find it difficult to complete daily tasks. They may even have trouble in driving to a familiar location, managing budget, etc.

4. Confusion With Time Or Place:

People with this condition can lose track of dates, seasons and even passage of time. They may also have difficulty in understanding things. This is one of the early signs of Alzheimer's disease.

5. Trouble Understanding Visual Images And Spatial Relationships:

Having vision problem is a sign of Alzheimer's disease. They may find it difficult to read, judge distance and even determine the colour or contrast of a particular thing.