Predicting memory loss in healthy older adults

February, 2011

Having the ‘Alzheimer’s gene’ and showing reduced brain activity during a mental task combined to correctly predict future cognitive decline in 80% of healthy elders.

In a study in which 78 healthy elders were given 5 different tests and then tested for cognitive performance 18 months later, two tests combined to correctly predict nearly 80% of those who developed significant cognitive decline. These tests were a blood test to identify presence of the ‘Alzheimer’s gene’ (APOE4), and a 5-minute fMRI imaging scan showing brain activity during mental tasks.

The gene test in itself correctly classified 61.5% of participants (aged 65-88; mean age 73), showing what a strong risk factor this is, but when taken with activity on the fMRI test, the two together correctly classified 78.9% of participants. Age, years of education, gender and family history of dementia were not accurate predictors of future cognitive decline. A smaller hippocampus was also associated with a greater risk of cognitive decline.

These two tests are readily available and not time-consuming, and may be useful in identifying those at risk of MCI and dementia.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-01/wsu--wsu011911.php

Reference:

Woodard, J.L. et al. 2010. Prediction of Cognitive Decline in Healthy Older Adults using fMRI. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 21 (3), 871-885.

seniors

Health & age-related problems

hippocampus

Related News

Alzheimer's memory problems originate with oligomers not plaques

While everyone agrees that amyloid-beta protein is part of the problem, not everyone agrees that amyloid plaques are the cause (or one of them) of Alzheimer’s. Other forms of amyloid-beta have been pointed to, including floating clumps called oligomers or ADDLs.

More evidence for benefits of Rapamycin

A few months ago, I reported on an exciting finding that

New guideline on when people with Alzheimer's disease should stop driving

The American Academy of Neurology has updated its guidelines on when people with dementia should stop driving.

New gene associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's

Another gene has been identified that appears to increase risk of Alzheimer’s. The gene, MTHFD1L, is located on chromosome six.

Losing muscle mass early sign of Alzheimer’s

Previous research has found that unexplained weight loss is an early sign of Alzheimer's.

Memory problems not the only predictor of later mild cognitive impairment

Amnestic mild cognitive impairment often leads to Alzheimer's disease, but what predicts aMCI?

Apple juice improves behavior in Alzheimer's patients

A pilot study involving 21 institutionalized individuals with moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s found that, although drinking two 4-oz glasses of apple juice daily for a month produced no change in the Dementia Rating Scale or in the Activities of Daily Living measure, there was a significant (27%)

TMS improves language comprehension in Alzheimer's sufferers

A pilot study involving 10 patients with moderate Alzheimer's disease, of whom half were randomly assigned to the treatment, has found that two weeks of receiving daily (25 minute) periods of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to the prefrontal

Common Alzheimer's medication helps skills necessary for safe driving

A study involving outpatients with early stage Alzheimer’s found that their performance on some computerized tests of executive function and visual attention, including a simulated driving task, improved significantly after three months of taking

Cognitive ability, not age, predicts risky decisions

A study involving 54 older adults (66-76) and 58 younger adults (18-35) challenges the idea that age itself causes people to become more risk-averse and to make poorer decisions.

Pages