[메디컬투데이TV] Predict the rate of cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease based on age, sex, and underlying diseases

[메디컬투데이=이승재 기자] Several markers that predict the rate of cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer’s disease have been published.

A study examining factors that influence the rate of cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer’s disease was published in ‘PLOS ONE.’

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. Symptoms include cognitive and memory decline, reduced ability to perform daily tasks, and personality changes. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, and it is important to detect it early and manage symptoms such as cognitive decline.

Researchers from Austria found and observed 500 patients at high risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease for two years to find indicators that could effectively predict the level of cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Predisposing factors included age, sex, lifestyle, and underlying diseases such as heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and diabetes. Factors such as ability to perform daily activities, depression, and pain were also taken into account.

The results of the study showed that the cognitive abilities of each patient decreased significantly over a two-year period. Factors that reduced overall cognitive ability were age, female sex, reduced ability to perform daily activities, and depression. In patients with severe cognitive decline, age, female gender, reduced ability to perform daily tasks, and atrial fibrillation were significant factors.

What is interesting is that the increased burden on caregivers around the patient was also related to the decline in the patient’s cognitive ability.

The researchers explained that the management of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease should focus not only on the patient but also on caregivers such as guardians around the patient.

Based on these findings, they concluded that age, female gender, and reduced ability to perform daily tasks accelerate cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Medical Today Video Editing Team ([email protected])

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