Getting lost may be the first sign of Alzheimer’s, scientists discover
by Robin McKie Observer science editor from on (#2NJ7F)
Edinburgh University study of early indicators raises hopes of finding a way to ward off disease through lifestyle changes
Losing your navigational skills or getting lost even though you are in a familiar setting may provide some of the first indications that Alzheimer's disease could affect you in later life. This is a preliminary discovery of a remarkable long-term study being carried out by scientists who are searching to uncover how dementia first affects the brain.
The Prevent project - based at Edinburgh University, though it involves several other UK research centres - is intended to detect signs of Alzheimer's in people while they are still relatively young. Usually, the disease does not show its symptoms until individuals are in their 60s, by which time it has already done profound damage to the brain.
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