Breakthrough Study Reveals Vision Problems as Early Indicators of Alzheimer’s Variant
In a groundbreaking international study led by the University of California San Francisco, researchers have identified a lesser-known early warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease – vision problems.
These issues, including difficulty judging distances and distinguishing moving objects, can go undiagnosed for years, leading to delayed treatment.
Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA): A Distinct Subtype of Alzheimer’s
The study focused on posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), a subtype of Alzheimer’s disease affecting vision primarily.
Analyzing over 1,000 PCA patients from 16 countries, researchers found that visual-spatial symptoms manifest about five or six years earlier than the more common form of Alzheimer’s.
Estimating Prevalence: PCA May Account for Up to 10% of Alzheimer’s Cases
While the precise number of individuals with PCA is not firmly established, researchers estimate that this variant could account for up to 10% of Alzheimer’s cases, suggesting close to 700,000 Americans may be affected.
PCA’s symptoms include difficulties with reading, math, using everyday objects, judging distances, and recognizing faces.
Unique Challenges in Diagnosis: Averaging Four Years to Identify Atypical Visual Symptoms
Patients with PCA often experience atypical visual symptoms without concurrent memory problems, leading some to overlook the neurological aspect.
As vision issues are commonly associated with aging, individuals in their 50s and 60s may attribute disturbances to age-related factors, delaying medical attention.
The average time from initial symptoms to a PCA diagnosis is just under four years.
Crucial Need for Awareness: Recognizing PCA Early for Timely Treatment
Researchers emphasize the necessity for increased awareness of PCA among clinicians.
Most patients initially consult optometrists, who may not recognize PCA.
There’s a critical need for better tools in clinical settings to identify these patients early and initiate appropriate treatment.
Pathological Insights: Similar Levels of Tau and Amyloid Proteins in PCA and Common Alzheimer’s
The study measured levels of Alzheimer’s hallmarks – tau and amyloid proteins. PCA patients exhibited similar levels to those with the more common form of Alzheimer’s.
While there is no cure, shared pathologies suggest potential benefits from participating in clinical trials or considering FDA-approved anti-amyloid drugs.
Advancing Patient Care: Understanding PCA’s Unique Impact on Alzheimer’s
Senior author Dr. Gil Rabinovici emphasizes the crucial role of understanding PCA for patient care and unraveling Alzheimer’s processes.
Recognizing the syndrome early is essential for correct diagnosis, counseling, and care.
Further research is needed to understand why Alzheimer’s specifically targets visual areas of the brain.
Scientific Implications: Unraveling the Mystery of Visual-Affected Alzheimer’s Areas
The research, published in Lancet Neurology, underscores the scientific need to comprehend why Alzheimer’s targets visual rather than memory areas of the brain.
Notably, 60% of PCA patients were women, urging further research into susceptibility factors.
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