Psychiatric Symptoms May Be Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

Medical News Today reports that there is most likely already a significant amount of tissue damage in the brain by the time a person starts to display the common signs of Alzheimer’s.  This has prompted scientists to propose that specific psychiatric symptoms such as “depression, anxiety, sleep disruption, and loss of appetite – may serve as markers of very early brain changes in Alzheimer's.”    

Several groups of researchers, including the University of California in San Francisco and the Brazilian Biobank for Aging Studies (BBAS) at the University of São Paulo, recently published a paper based on their findings in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.  Studying postmortem brain tissue tests, the group compared them to a range of psychiatric symptoms they discovered in the individuals after speaking to people who knew the deceased well.  This has lead researchers to suggest that the person’s “psychiatric symptoms are not the cause of Alzheimer’s but more likely early indicators of the disease.” 

Researchers say that by identifying such symptoms as the early signs of Alzheimer’s may help doctors to diagnose the disease much earlier and to give the person more of an opportunity to take steps to slow the progression of the disease.  In addition scientists note that earlier diagnoses could save trillions of dollars in future medical costs and care. 

Do you have a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s and are wondering if there is quality “assisted living memory care near me?”  The compassionate team at MorningStar at Englefield Green wants to assure you that we are dementia care specialists that feel privileged to serve our most “tender residents.”  We also consider caring and supporting family members as part of our job as we understand that dementia can be a scary road.  Please visit our website to find out about availability and pricing as well as to set up a tour. 

MorningStar at Englefield Green embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities.  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  If you are looking for the best “dementia care near me?” please visit our website to learn more!

Source:  medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323366.php