Scientists from the Mayo Clinic have developed a new method to predict Alzheimer’s risk up to a decade before symptoms appear, utilizing brain scans and genetic data to estimate a person’s likelihood of developing memory and thinking-related issues. This research, published in *The Lancet Neurology*, is based on long-term data collected from the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging, involving over 5,800 participants.
The team, led by Dr. Clifford Jack Jr., a radiologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, assessed brain scans, genetic information, and medical records to build a predictive model. This model can estimate a person’s 10-year and lifetime risk of cognitive decline. The study also incorporates age, sex, and whether the participants carry the APOE ε4 gene, a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s.
The study reveals that amyloid and tau proteins, which form plaques and tangles in the brain, start accumulating long before symptoms appear, disrupting neural communication and leading to memory loss. The high levels of these proteins in the brain correlate with a significantly increased risk of the condition. The risk estimates can help individuals and their doctors make informed decisions about treatment and lifestyle changes to potentially delay the onset of symptoms.
While the tool is currently used for research, future versions may include more accessible diagnostics like blood tests or other biomarkers. For now, the study highlights the need for ongoing research and the importance of early detection in managing Alzheimer’s. The study’s findings were made possible by funding from the National Institute on Aging, the GHR Foundation, Gates Ventures, and the Alexander Family Foundation.