Psychology Research on Alzheimer's Disease

The earliest research on Alzheimer's disease, conducted in 1906, revealed a disease that develops in later life and entails a progressive atrophying of the brain, resulting in diminished cognitive, mental and social abilities. Additional research has shown that the disease may have early warning signs and that certain lifestyle choices may offer some protection against its onset.

History

• Alois Alzheimer, a turn-of-the-century German neurologist, originally described Alzheimer's as a terminal disease involving the decay of brain tissue. His research into Alzheimer's showed that symptoms emerge about 12 years before a person's death.

Diagnosis

• Research by Richard Linn, Philip Wolf and others has shown that mild learning and memory deficits may precede the emergence of clinical symptoms of Alzheimer's. But mild cognitive impairment does not guarantee later development of the disease.

Features

• Dennis Selkoe's research into the neurological features of Alzheimer's has shown that synaptic failure occurs during the early stages of the disease. Protein deposits and filaments increase in the brain, causing neurons and synapses to atrophy or begin to deteriorate.

Causes

• Considerable research, such as that by Mina Bergem, Kurt Engedal and Einar Kringlen, has shown strong evidence that Alzheimer's may have a genetic basis. In fact, depending on ethnic background, biological relatives may have an elevated risk of developing the disease.

Prevention

• Research by David Snowden and others has shown that strong cognitive and linguistic abilities can offer some protection against the development of Alzheimer's. Additional studies have shown that continuing cognitive challenges in later life can help to reduce the risk as well.