Alzheimer's Warning: Struggles with Navigation May Surface Before Memory Loss
Alzheimer's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is often associated with memory loss.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia—a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour. It primarily impacts older adults and leads to a continuous decline in cognitive abilities, interfering with daily life and independence.
The condition is caused by the gradual degeneration and death of brain cells, which disrupts communication between neurons. This breakdown in brain function leads to symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, difficulty with language, problem-solving issues, and changes in mood or personality. Over time, these impairments worsen, making even basic tasks challenging.
Although there is no cure, early detection and supportive care can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Early signs of Alzheimer's: What does the study say?
A recent study published in Current Biology has revealed that early signs of Alzheimer's disease may manifest through difficulties in navigation rather than memory loss. The research, led by Professor Neil Burgess and his team from the Space and Memory group at the UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, examined how individuals navigate through space under different environmental conditions.
Participants were divided into three groups—young adults, older adults, and individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition often seen as an early stage of Alzheimer's. Using virtual reality headsets, they were asked to walk along a guided route marked by numbered cones and then return to their starting point without any assistance.
To assess their navigational abilities, researchers introduced three environmental variations: one unchanged, one with ground textures removed, and one where all visual landmarks were temporarily eliminated.
The findings showed that participants with MCI experienced the greatest difficulty, particularly when familiar visual cues were missing. These results suggest that impairments in spatial awareness may serve as an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease, potentially appearing well before memory-related symptoms become evident.
Experts' suggestion
Experts suggest that early detection of Alzheimer's is critical for effective intervention and improved long-term outcomes. Identifying navigational difficulties as a potential early symptom provides an opportunity to assess cognitive decline before more pronounced signs, such as memory loss, appear. They advise clinicians, caregivers, and family members to monitor changes in spatial orientation, such as disorientation in familiar environments, as these may serve as important early indicators warranting further medical evaluation.
Dr. Leah Mursaleen from Alzheimer's Research UK emphasises the need for advanced diagnostic methods. She acknowledged the importance of exploring new methods, such as applying virtual reality environments, to assess navigational behaviour. Referring to the study, she said, 'These results suggest this method can differentiate between participants with early-stage Alzheimer's disease."
According to Alzheimer's Society, spotting dementia early can be tricky, as the first symptoms are often subtle and easy to miss. However, they do acknowledge that trouble with navigation is one of the earliest changes seen in Alzheimer's, which makes this research especially important and relevant.
First Published:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
2 hours ago
- Economic Times
Saiyaara portrays Alzheimer's in Aneet Padda's 22-year-old character: What the disease is, its risk factors, and key symptoms
The Bollywood film 'Saiyaara' is being lauded for its emotional depth, but its depiction of a 22-year-old with early-onset Alzheimer's has drawn criticism from medical experts. Neurologists highlight that such early manifestation is highly improbable, typically occurring after age 40. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Understanding Alzheimer's disease What causes Alzheimer's? Key risk factors explained Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Age remains the primary risk factor — the National Institute on Aging notes that 'the risk of Alzheimer's doubles every five years after age 65.' This is linked to the accumulation of abnormal brain proteins like beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Genetics also plays a significant role. Individuals with a family history of Alzheimer's, especially those carrying the APOE ε4 gene variant, are more vulnerable. However, carrying the gene doesn't guarantee a diagnosis. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) — particularly repeated or severe ones — can raise long-term risk by altering brain function. Cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can reduce brain blood flow and contribute to cognitive decline. Mental health and lifestyle also matter. Chronic stress, depression, smoking, poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle are all risk factors. Social isolation and low levels of education further elevate the risk. Recognising Alzheimer's: Symptoms to watch for Memory loss that disrupts daily routines, such as forgetting recent conversations or appointments. Difficulty completing familiar tasks, like using appliances or managing bills. Problem-solving challenges, including trouble planning or following steps. Language issues, such as struggling to find the right words or follow conversations. Disorientation, with confusion about time or location. Poor judgment, including neglecting hygiene or falling for scams. Mood and personality changes, such as irritability, anxiety, or social withdrawal. Managing early-onset Alzheimer's: What's the approach? While Saiyaara, the latest romantic drama from Bollywood, is winning hearts for its emotional storytelling, the film's portrayal of Alzheimer's disease in a young woman has raised eyebrows among medical professionals. The plot revolves around a 22-year-old journalist diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's — a scenario that, according to neurologists, is highly argue that while the film tugs at the heartstrings, its medical accuracy falls short. Neurologists emphasize that early-onset Alzheimer's 'generally doesn't happen before 40,' and that 'definitive symptoms hardly manifest in a patient in their 20s and 30s.'Alzheimer's is a progressive neurological disorder and the most common type of dementia. It gradually destroys memory, thinking ability, and daily functioning skills. The condition not only affects individuals but also significantly burdens their families and caregivers with emotional, financial, and logistical the early stages, Alzheimer's may be mistaken for simple forgetfulness, but as it progresses, it can impair even basic abilities like recognising loved ones or managing personal no single cause of Alzheimer's disease. Instead, it develops through a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle influences that slowly damage the these factors doesn't mean a person will develop Alzheimer's, but it does increase the likelihood. Fortunately, many lifestyle-related risks are modifiable with early occasional memory lapses are normal with age, Alzheimer's causes a progressive cognitive and behavioral decline that interferes with everyday life. As per the Alzheimer's Association and the National Institute on Aging, early warning signs include:These signs can also stem from other conditions like depression or medication side effects. A professional medical diagnosis is more advanced stages, individuals may lose their ability to communicate, move independently, or care for themselves. Research supports that early detection and timely intervention can improve quality of life and delay the disease's progression. Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial when symptoms currently no cure for Alzheimer's. However, when diagnosed early, neurologists can recommend medications that help slow progression. Lifestyle changes — such as balanced nutrition, regular exercise, good sleep hygiene, cognitive exercises, and managing cardiovascular risks — form a critical part of supportive the average life expectancy after an early-onset diagnosis is eight to ten years, outcomes can vary based on individual health and how quickly the disease advances.
First Post
4 hours ago
- First Post
World Brain Day 2025: 10 everyday habits that are quietly damaging your brain
Chronic sleep deprivation Regularly skipping sleep impairs memory, focus and emotional regulation. Over time, it increases your risk for Alzheimer's, depression and cognitive decline. The brain needs deep rest to recharge.
India.com
6 hours ago
- India.com
Aneet Padda's role in Saiyaara sparks debate, can you really get Alzheimer's at 22? Doctors break down the rare condition
When audiences walked into theatres expecting a tragic love story, they were hit with something deeper, an emotional ride that explored memory loss, love, and the cruel twist of early-onset Alzheimer's. Directed by Mohit Suri, Saiyaara stars Ahaan Panday as Krish Kapoor, a struggling musician, and Aneet Padda as Vaani Batra, a quiet aspiring journalist. Their story takes a turn when Vaani begins forgetting basic things, first small details, then entire conversations. In one of the film's pivotal moments, Vaani collapses and is rushed to the hospital. When asked by doctors, she can't recall her brother's age or the date. She is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's, a rare but real condition. How accurate is Saiyaara's portrayal of Alzheimer's? While the film has opened conversations around the disease, neurologists say its depiction is far from medical reality. Dr. Sunil Singla, Head of Neurology at Shalby Sanar Hospital, says, 'Early-onset Alzheimer's is diagnosed in people under 65, but cases in someone as young as 22, like Vaani, are extremely rare.' Dr. Kaustubh Mahajan from PD Hinduja Hospital adds that such cases may occur only due to rare genetic mutations: 'It's called early-onset Alzheimer's dementia. If it's seen in the 20s, it's extremely rare and likely genetically linked to mutations like APP or TSEN.' What are the actual symptoms of Alzheimer's? In the film, Vaani experiences dizziness, fainting, and sudden memory loss after emotional trauma. But experts say these are dramatised for cinematic effect. Real early Alzheimer's symptoms, as listed by the NHS, typically include: Difficulty remembering recent events or conversations Misplacing everyday objects Repeating questions Struggling to find words Trouble with decision-making Hesitation in trying new tasks Dr. Singla explains, 'Symptoms like fainting or instant memory loss after seeing someone are not typical of Alzheimer's. These scenes are dramatised to serve the film's narrative.' Experts call it 'exaggerated,' but conversation-worthy One key scene shows Vaani forgetting the last six months after a sudden emotional trigger—a plot twist neurologists say doesn't align with medical evidence. Dr. Singla remarked, 'They've exaggerated it for the sake of storytelling. Alzheimer's doesn't progress this fast, especially in someone that young.' He further added, 'Depression can be an early sign of dementia, but Alzheimer's itself isn't triggered by emotional shocks. These are more 'masala' elements.' Despite the medical inaccuracies, doctors and critics alike agree the film plays a vital role—it gets people talking about memory health.
