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A five-minute neck analysis could predict the risk of developing dementia ten years before the onset of symptoms, researchers said.
A five-minute neck scan could predict the risk of developing dementia ten years before the onset of symptoms, researchers said.
The test, which analyzes the pulse of blood vessels in the neck, could be part of routine tests for cognitive decline, according to a study by scientists from University College London (UCL), who presented his work Sunday at the annual scientific conference of the American Heart Association. conference.
A group of nearly 3,200 patients aged 58 to 74 years underwent neck ultrasound in 2002, before their cognitive function was monitored for up to 14 years. from 2002 to 2016.
People with the most intense impulses, research revealed that the force with which blood entered their brains was causing damage to the network of blood vessels in the brain.
Legumes become more intense when the arteries close to the heart are worn out – usually due to lifestyle-related factors, such as poor diet and drug use – and can no longer "dampen" blood flow from the heart.
"If you can detect [the risk] at people's Place in mid-life, this really makes these people change their lifestyle, "said Dr. Scott Chiesa, a postdoctoral researcher at UCL.
"What's good for the arteries is good for the brain," he added. "Dementia is not an inevitable cause of aging. How you live your life … has a real impact on how quickly your condition can deteriorate. "
If the results are confirmed by larger studies, they could dramatically improve the ability to detect dementia in middle age.
And the scans would be "well prepared for routine testing," according to Chiesa. "It's very easy to do and very fast."
When they are healthy, the arteries around the heart can regulate the blood pumped from the organ, thus ensuring a steady and steady flow to the brain.
However, damage to the arteries results in more aggressive and irregular blood circulation in the vessels and in the brain, which can damage its network of blood vessels and cells. Over time, researchers believe that this leads more frequently to cognitive decline in the study participants.
"What we do know is that blood circulation in the brain is extremely important and maintaining a healthy heart and low blood pressure is associated with a lower risk of developing dementia," he said. said Carol Routledge, director of research at Alzheimer's Research UK. has not been involved in the research.
Vascular dementia is directly caused by a reduction in blood flow to the brain, which may also play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease, studies have shown. These two conditions make up the vast majority of cases of dementia.
Dementia is a generic term used to describe symptoms related to loss of brain function. Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia constitute the vast majority of cases.
According to the World Health Organization, nearly 50 million people worldwide are suffering from dementia and their number is expected to reach 152 million by 2050.
In the United States, according to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is the sixth leading cause of death among all adults. in the UK, it has exceeded heart disease as the leading cause of death, according to the Office for National Statistics.
"Promising results"
The findings of the study generated cautious optimism from dementia organizations.
"Getting a diagnosis of dementia can be very time consuming and frustrating for many people. It is therefore promising that earlier indicators of cognitive decline are under development, "said Paul Edwards, clinical services director at Dementia UK.
But he added that people with dementia after the diagnosis should also focus, stating, "The elephant in the room is the lack of support for people and their families once they get diagnosed of dementia. "
There is currently no cure for dementia, although medications can be used to temporarily treat symptoms.
"Often, a diagnosis is made and then people are sent home without any information, no follow-up appointments and no clues about what will happen next."
Previous studies conducted this year have linked risk of dementia with lifestyle factors, such as alcohol use and fitness level, but its effects remain largely incurable.
Further research is needed to determine whether neck tests should be part of routine dementia testing.
"Although these results are interesting, since the complete data of this research have not yet been published, it is difficult to assess the usefulness of this type of analysis", Routledge said.
Routledge added that current evidence shows that not smoking, consuming only alcohol within the recommended range, staying active, monitoring your cholesterol levels, and having a balanced diet can all contribute to your heart health and well-being. brain.
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