▲ Research has shown that problems with spatial navigation may be an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease. (Photo = DB)
[메디컬투데이=최재백 기자] Research has shown that problems with spatial navigation may be an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease.
Research findings showing that problems with spatial navigation may be an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease were published in “Alzheimer’s & Dementia,” the journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.
A research team at University College London has found that spatial navigation problems can develop years or even decades before the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
The research team assessed the spatial navigation ability of participants in the PREVENT-Dementia cohort study using virtual reality technology. Participants were adults aged 40 to 59, about 25 years younger than the expected age for onset of dementia. A total of 100 people participated in the study.
None of the participants showed symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, but they had lifestyle risk factors, such as a family history of Alzheimer’s disease or low levels of physical activity, that made them innately or physiologically at high risk.
The research team reported that people at high risk for Alzheimer’s disease had selective problems with navigating virtual reality, regardless of risk factors. In other words, no abnormalities were found in other tests of cognitive function, but selective abnormalities were found only in spatial navigation ability.
The research team explained that problems with spatial navigation ability were observed more often in men than in women, and that abnormalities in spatial navigation ability can begin decades before symptoms of dementia appear.
Experts noted that virtual reality space technology continues to evolve and predicted that the technology could be used for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Meanwhile, they assessed the need to verify the study results by expanding the study sample and study period because the study participants were relatively young and it was not known whether participants who showed abnormalities in spatial navigation skills actually developed dementia plus forward in life.
However, they said that repetitive problems with memory and spatio-temporal sensory abilities may be an early symptom of Alzheimer’s disease and advised that while it is not known whether the symptom is an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease, it is best meet with a specialist and receive advice.
Jaebaek Choi, Medical Today reporter (jaebaekchoi@mdtoday.co.kr)
[ⓒ 메디컬투데이. 무단전재-재배포 금지]
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