Decline in Other Cognitive Skills Other Than Memory Loss May be an Early Sign of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s was once thought to start with the onset of memory loss.  This specifically centered on the loss of episodic memory.  “Episodic memory” is that part of memory that helps one recount a particular time, a particular place, a particular series of events, and what was felt during that event.  Once it is seen that something was wrong with this part of one’s memory, Alzheimer’s was usually diagnosed.

However, a new study shows that Alzheimer’s may start much earlier, and that the old basis should no longer hold true.  

As with most illnesses, Alzheimer’s is best treated when diagnosed in its early stages.    Thus doctors are searching for the proper sign to signal that a person had or could possibly have Alzheimer’s.

The center of Alzheimer’s research in the US recently came out with a study that suggests that a decline in visual spatial skills, may be a sign of the onset of Alzheimer’s.  The study was conducted by Dr. David Johnson of the University of Kansas.

In the study that was conducted by Dr. Johnson, a sharp decline in visual spatial skills happened three years before actual diagnosis that the person had Alzheimer’s.  After that sharp decline in visual spatial skills, overall cognitive ability declined as well, with the verbal and working memory declining one year before the diagnosis.

What this study shows is that there is now hope of earlier detection using newer and more updated techniques.  If the disease is detected earlier than usual, then averting the threat that the disease ultimately poses should be easier for doctors.