At the 2013 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Boston, one of the hot topics was subjective cognitive decline or subjective cognitive impairment.  This condition generally manifests as memory lapses colloquially referred to as “senior moments.”  Common practice had previously been for medical practitioners to tell their patients not to worry because it is a normal part of aging.

Unfortunately, recent studies have shown that these can actually be early signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s.  Researchers scanned the brains of 189 healthy volunteers that had no history of neurological conditions.  These volunteers also self-reported on memory issues and cognitive difficulties.  Volunteers that reported higher on these issues also had more amyloid in their brains.  Amyloid is a protein that can build up into plaques in the brain, which has been linked with Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers also administered a survey of more than 100 questions.  The hope is that they will be able to refine and develop this instrument for use by practitioners and researchers.  If integrated into routine exams, it may be possible to identify the disease in its earliest stages, before it manifests into overt symptoms.

There are numerous drug trials currently under way that show promise for the treatment of dementia or Alzheimer’s.  Earlier diagnosis means that these individuals may have better results with these promising new therapies.  One new drug, which was originally designated as a cancer therapy, shows possibilities for treating Alzheimer’s as well.

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 50 to 80 percent of dementia cases.  Early signs include memory loss and other cognitive difficulties that interrupt daily life, difficulties speaking and writing words, confusion with time, place, and spatial relationships, poor judgment, and mood or personality changes.  The greatest risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s is age, with the majority of those with the condition being over the age of 65.  After symptoms noticeable to others develop, the average life expectancy is eight years, but survival ranges from four to 20 years.  There is currently no cure.

There are a number of behaviors that have been shown to possibly delay the onset of dementia.  For example, physical activity and diet have been shown to help maintain healthy cognitive functioning for longer.  Additionally, social engagement and activities are also linked with lower incidence of dementia.  Recent research has also linked regular cognitive activities such as reading and writing with lower Alzheimer’s.  With early detection of dementia risk, individuals may be able to take action to delay the onset of dementia.