Dementia news: New method can PREDICT brain condition (even before it happens)

DEMENTIA can affect men and women of all ages, but researchers say they’ve found a way to identify those at higher risk of the brain condition.

Dementia used: method could predict who will suffer

Dementia is a set of symptoms - including memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language - which are caused when the brain is damaged by diseases.

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It affects 850,000 people in the UK, according to the Alzheimer’s Society, and while the condition is predominantly in those who are older, there are 42,000 sufferers below the age of 65.

Now a study by Lund University in Sweden has discovered a method for predicting who might develop it.

They found people with microvascular endothelial dysfunction - a hormonal imbalance in the inner lining of the blood vessels - were more likely to then get dementia.

Dementia breakthrough: endothelial dysfunction could indicate it

The researchers examined the association of the condition with three potential indicators. Of the 5,347 people they studied - none of whom had the condition at the start - 373 were diagnosed with dementia.

"Elevated plasma concentration of MR-proANP is an independent predictor of all-cause and vascular dementia," wrote study author Hilma Holm. "Pronounced increase in CT-proET-1 indicates higher risk of vascular dementia."

While all types of dementia may be predicted this way, vascular dementia was highlighted in the study.

It’s the second most common type after Alzheimer’s disease, and occurs when the brain is damaged due to problems with the blood supply to the brain. 

The study provides the possibility dementia can be systematically predicted before the onset of symptoms, and therefore treatment could happen sooner.

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Brain health: it could open up more possibilities to treat the condition

Up until now, it’s been difficult to predict the condition, and Alzheimer Europe say people shouldn’t spend time or money on the tests currently available as even if someone has a particular gene - ApoE4 gene in Alzheimer’s disease, for example, they might not necessarily develop it.

Mostly people will have to wait until they develop symptoms to be diagnosed. These include difficulty recalling events, problems making decisions, trouble following conversation, losing track of the date and becoming confused about where they are.

However, people at higher risk include those who are over 65 years - one in 14 of this age group has the condition - and those with a family history who have inherited the gene, meaning they will probably suffer before the age of 65.

Vascular dementia, on the other hand, can be triggered by a stroke, blood clots, or most commonly when small blood vessels become diseased, known as subcortical vascular dementia. All three happen when blood flow to the brain is temporarily stopped or reduced.

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Vascular dementia: type highlighted in the study

How to spot if someone is suffering from dementia

Early signs for this type include problems perceiving objects in three dimensions and a slower speed of thought.

Because vascular dementia sufferers are often aware of the problems their condition is causing, they can often become depressed and more emotional.

While you can’t fully protect yourself against developing dementia, there are certain ways you can reduce your risk.

A study by the University of Chicago found those who ate leafy green vegetables twice a day suffered less cognitive decline, while the Central Institute of Mental Health in Mannheim, Germany discovered a daily glass of wine or pint of beer can also cut risk.