BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – New research from Texas A&M Health suggests the brain may signal Alzheimer\u2019s disease years before memory loss begins\u2014and the warning sign has nothing to do with forgetting.<\/p>\n
Researchers say trouble adapting to change, called cognitive inflexibility, could be an earlier red flag than the memory slips most people recognize. Cognitive flexibility is the brain\u2019s ability to adjust behavior when circumstances change. When a person becomes unusually rigid or resistant to change, it could indicate something is happening in the brain long before a formal diagnosis.<\/p>\n
The research focuses on cholinergic neurons \u2014 brain cells already central to Alzheimer\u2019s research and targeted by FDA-approved drugs. Dr. Jun Wang\u2019s team at Texas A&M Health found that changes to these neurons may also affect cognitive flexibility, potentially making cognitive inflexibility one of the earliest detectable signs of the disease.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce a patient experiences the later stage, it will be very challenging to prevent or treat,\u201d Dr. Wang said. Early detection opens a window for intervention while treatment options are still available.<\/p>\n
If a loved one shows unusual rigidity or struggles to adapt to new situations, Dr. Wang recommends seeing a doctor. \u201cThey may be able to run at least a behavior test \u2014 it should be easy and does not cost much,\u201d he said. From there, doctors can order more advanced screenings for Alzheimers related biomarkers if needed.<\/p>\n