Alzheimer’s and Anxiety

Alzheimer’s and Anxiety

Dr MacSweeney explains the importance of anxiety coupled with short term memory loss

Scientists have demonstrated  that changes in our brain start approximately 20 years before Alzheimer’s symptoms become apparent. Common, early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include a decline in short term memory, confusion, mood changes, apathy, difficulty performing normal everyday tasks and issues with calculation or sense of direction. However, there is one very early symptom which is frequently missed by doctors, which could provide the opportunity for an early diagnosis.

Dr Emer MacSweeney, CEO and Consultant Neuroradiologist at Re:Cognition Health was featured in an article in the Express, addressing  how a new and unexplained  sense of anxiety – may occur  before the onset of any detectable cognitive decline.

Dr MacSweeney explains that those diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment will often admit to experiencing unexplained anxiety up to two years before cognitive symptoms of early Alzheimer’s become apparent.  People aged over 60 who have developed disproportionate feelings of anxiety, or anxiety for the first time without reason, coupled with short term memory loss, should be alerted to the possibility of Alzheimer’s disease.

An early and accurate diagnosis for Alzheimer’s and other causes of dementia is imperative. There are new, sophisticated biomarkers available to detect Alzheimer’s and new treatments are available through clinical trials,  designed to slow down the progression of the disease. The earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the greater the opportunity to manage the disease.

For further information on the opportunities available through clinical trials please contact our team on 0800 802 1030

To read the full article, visit: https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1485207/alzheimers-disease-anxiety-early-sign