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Alzheimer's Disease Alzheimer's Disease Basics

Even minor memory loss may be associated with a loss of brain density.


While memory disorders, such as mild-cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease have been tied to an overall loss in gray matter, a type of brain tissue, a recent study has found that this decay may begin much earlier. The study, published in the journal Neurology, looked at 120 people over the age of 60 who complained of some memory loss in their daily activities. All of these participants scored normally on tests of memory, but after a brain scan, the researchers found that those with memory problems had 3 percent less gray matter in particular regions of the brain as compared to adults with no memory problems. Interestingly, this reduction in gray matter was most noticeable in an area known to be important for memory. The study authors think that this finding may prove to be a useful tool to diagnose those most at risk for cognitive impairment even before they develop serious memory problems. “Significant memory loss complaints may indicate a very early “pre-mild cognitive impairment” stage of dementia for some people,” said study author Dr. Andrew Saykin, affiliate member of the American Academy of Neurology in a press release, “This is important since early detection will be critical as disease modifying medications are developed in an effort to slow or ultimately prevent Alzheimer’s disease.”


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