Brain changes linked with Alzheimer's disease years before symptoms appear

BALTIMORE – In a records review of 290 people at risk for Alzheimer’s disease, scientists at Johns Hopkins University said they have identified an average level of biological and anatomical brain changes linked to Alzheimer’s disease that occur three to 10 years – some even more than 30 years – before the disease’s first recognizable symptoms appear.

“Our study suggests it may be possible to use brain imaging and spinal fluid analysis to assess risk of Alzheimer’s disease at least 10 years or more before the most common symptoms, such as mild cognitive impairment, occur,” Laurent Younes, Ph.D....