Early Brain Changes in Alzheimer's Disease

Researchers have found that brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease may begin at least seven years before amyloid plaques become detectable with current PET scans. This discovery was made by tracking healthy older adults with repeated brain imaging over nearly 20 years. The findings suggest that important disease processes may start before visible plaque buildup. This could help scientists identify Alzheimer's earlier, potentially leading to earlier intervention and treatment.