Alzheimer's Starts 7 Years Earlier

A groundbreaking study led by scientists at the University of Oslo's Department of Psychology has found that brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease may begin at least seven years before amyloid plaques become detectable with current PET scans. The research, published in Nature Neuroscience, tracked healthy older adults with repeated brain imaging over nearly 20 years and identified structural changes in the brain at least seven years before plaques became visible on scans.

The study was led by James Michael Roe, who was the main researcher at the Center for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition (LCBC) at the Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, at the time of the research. Roe and his team found that the current gold standard for Alzheimer's imaging, amyloid-PET, may not be sensitive enough to capture some of the earliest brain changes associated with the disease.

The researchers' findings suggest that disease-related processes may already be developing in the brain long before they can be seen with today's most sensitive imaging methods. This discovery could help scientists identify Alzheimer's earlier and potentially lead to new approaches for prevention and treatment.

## Why it matters The study's results have significant implications for our understanding of Alzheimer's disease and its progression. If brain changes associated with the disease can be detected earlier, it may be possible to intervene before significant damage has occurred. This could lead to improved outcomes for patients and a better quality of life for those affected by the disease.

The study's findings also highlight the importance of continued research into the causes and mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease. By understanding more about the early stages of the disease, scientists may be able to develop new and more effective treatments, and ultimately, find a cure for this devastating condition.