Colombian Alzheimer’s Disease Study Reveals Changes to Brain Before Symptoms

A large, extended Colombian family gripped by early-onset Alzheimer’s disease has helped researchers led by Eric Reiman, MD, determine how early (and rapidly) changes to the brain occur, even before symptoms are evident. The studies published in Lancet Neurology tracked 5,000 individuals with a genetic mutation that drives the development of this disease. Brain scans, cognitive tests, spinal taps, and related evaluations revealed changes to the brain years before apparent cognitive changes or the formation of amyloid plaques. The researchers will enroll this cohort into experimental drug studies to see if the disease can be arrested or reversed.

Read more about the study on The New York Times >>