Unraveling Alzheimer's: Four symptom clusters identified
A UCLA study just found that Alzheimer's doesn't have a single cause—there are actually four different paths people can take to get there.
By analyzing almost 25,000 patient records, researchers mapped out step-by-step patterns leading up to the disease.
This could make spotting and preventing Alzheimer's way more effective in the future.
The study breaks it down into:
The study breaks it down into:
- Mental health pathway: Starts with issues like depression, often after high blood pressure or diabetes.
- Encephalopathy pathway: Involves fast-developing brain dysfunction and blood vessel problems.
- Mild cognitive impairment pathway: Shows slow memory decline, sometimes linked to menopause.
- Vascular disease pathway: Begins with heart and blood vessel issues, usually after joint pain or chronic pain.
Recognizing these patterns could help in early diagnosis
Recognizing these patterns means doctors could predict who's at risk much earlier—not just by looking at one diagnosis but by seeing the bigger picture.
That opens up chances for earlier help and more personalized care for people who might develop Alzheimer's down the line.