Australian scientists have made a significant discovery that has the potential to improve the effectiveness of drugs currently used to manage cognitive decline in people living with Alzheimer’s disease.
A study led by Australia’s national science agency CSRIO compared data from 475 people with varying degrees of cognitive impairment.
Examining MRI images collected over more than a decade, the scientists examined the level of amyloid plaques – abnormally configured proteins – in the brain. They also noted the amount of brain shrinkage and the degree of cognitive decline.
“Our results show how the atrophying of the basal forebrain – a key brain region for learning and memory – could indicate the presence of the disease well before the symptoms occur,” said Dr Ying Xia – researcher at CSRIO’s Australian e-Health Research Centre, and lead author of the study. “Our research suggests an important link between brain structure, in this case shrinkage, and the way the brain functions during Alzheimer’s disease progression.”
The findings may assist in the ongoing development of drugs to reduce the deterioration in brain function seen in people with Alzheimer’s disease. This could include anti-amyloid medication currently awaiting regulatory approval.
However, while these new drugs hold promise, it’s not yet known whether targeting the amyloid plaques will address the underlying causes of memory and attention decline.
“Currently, drugs available to manage cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s are only effective in up to 30 per cent of cases,” Dr Xia said. “We think we can improve on that figure by increasing our understanding of the role played by the system targeted by the current drug treatment regimes.”
Describing the findings as “impactful”, Professor Michael Woodward – honorary medical advisor at Dementia Australia – told Australian Ageing Agenda the CSRIO study may lead to earlier diagnosis of dementia. “As anti-amyloid therapies are showing more promise in these earlier stages, this relatively simple and not too expensive technique (MRI) may become very important in detecting patients who may benefit from such therapy.”
Professor Woodward told AAA improving timely dementia diagnosis must be a priority. “With earlier detection and diagnosis, support and resources can be accessed sooner to maximise quality of life and plan for the future.”
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