According to a recent study led by UCL researchers, impaired spatial navigation could serve as an early predictor of Alzheimer’s disease, appearing years before other cognitive symptoms. The study, which tested asymptomatic adults aged between 43 and 66, found that those at risk of Alzheimer’s struggled with virtual reality navigation tasks before showing impairments in other cognitive functions.
The research, published in Alzheimer’s and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association and jointly funded by the Alzheimer’s Society and an MSD research grant, aimed to identify early diagnostic signals for the NHS to develop a diagnostic tool in the coming years. Participants in the study were identified as having genetic, familial, or lifestyle risks associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Richard Oakley from Alzheimer’s Society highlighted the significance of early and accurate diagnosis for proper support, planning, and treatment for individuals living with dementia. The findings also revealed a gender difference in performance, with impaired spatial navigation observed in men but not in women.
The study’s outcomes could potentially revolutionize Alzheimer’s diagnosis by focusing on early and accurate identification for timely treatment. This research suggests that difficulties with spatial navigation could be a key sign of Alzheimer’s, paving the way for future diagnostic support tools in healthcare.
