Tracking Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Patients Could Be the Key to a Cure

In this BBC video, medical professionals discuss a clinical trial that’s studying early-onset Alzheimer’s patients who have a genetic predisposition to the disease. Researchers are hoping to find ways to treat Alzheimer’s disease before memory problems and other symptoms associated with the disease are presented.

MORE: Top researchers believe prevention is the future of Alzheimer’s research.

New technology allows scientists to track the brains of those who are at high risk of developing the disease. Yearly MRI scans establish the levels of tau protein. This could help researchers find ways to slow down the production of tau before it becomes a problem.

The video also looks at the role of sleep and how a lack of deep sleep may be connected to the development of the disease. Professor Matthew Walker from the University of California is researching whether deep sleep can be used as a weapon against the progression of Alzheimer’s.

MORE: Ten early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease that might surprise you.

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