Alzheimer's: Don't ignore these early warning signs

IT'S CRUCIAL TO CONSULT A DOCTOR IF YOU NOTICE THESE SYMPTOMS ARE INTERFERING WITH DAILY LIFE. BY CAMILLA FOSTER

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A QUICK, three-minute brainwave test could help detect early memory issues linked to Alzheimer’s disease well before a clinical diagnosis is typically possible, a new study has found.

Developed at the University of Bath, the test - called Fastball - uses EEG technology to monitor brain activity via sensors placed on the scalp.

The study, published in the journal Brain Communications and led by researchers from the Universities of Bath and Bristol, involved 106 participants: 52 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) - a decline in memory or thinking skills - and 54 healthy older adults. MCI can be an early indicator of Alzheimer’s, though not all cases progress to the disease.

Results showed that individuals with amnestic MCI - a form marked by noticeable memory loss - had significantly weaker responses to the Fastball test compared to those with non-amnestic MCI or no cognitive issues.

As research in early detection continues to develop, experts from Dementia UK and Alzheimer's Society here share some of the most common early signs of Alzheimer’s to look out for, and talk about the crucial impact early diagnosis can have.

Although everyone's experience of Alzheimer's is unique, here are some common early signs of the disease that you shouldn't ignore...

1. Memory problems

“The first noticeable sign of Alzheimer’s disease is often memory problems, such as difficulties recalling recent events and learning new information,” says Dr Simon Wheeler, senior knowledge officer at Alzheimer’s Society.

“This happens because one of the first parts of the brain to be damaged by Alzheimer's is often the hippocampus, which has an important role in forming new memories.