June 7, 2024- A new study adds further evidence that when a patient or family member notices signs of persistent memory loss, it’s important to speak with a doctor. While there are many reasons why someone’s memory may change, researchers from Mass General Brigham who are studying patients prior to diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease found changes in the brain when patients and their study partners—those who could answer questions about their daily cognitive function — reported a decline in cognition.
Using imaging, the researchers found reports of cognitive decline were associated with accumulation of tau tangles — a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Results are published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Across 675 participants, the team found that both amyloid and tau were associated with greater self-reported decline in cognitive function. The team also found that subjective reports from patients and their partners complemented objective tests of cognitive performance.