Tag: Therapy

Deterioration in language can predict early symptoms of Alzheimer’s Dementia.

In a recent study, an independent linguistic battery comprising only the language components or subtests of popular neuropsychological batteries showed a better clinical detection for MCI-AD than using an exhaustive battery of test.

Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease (MCI-AD) is a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It is characterized by a cognitive decline usually associated with aging or AD. However, some of the profound characteristics of MCI-AD are the gradual degrading of cognitive speech functions, which is often affected long before the diagnosis of MCI-AD. Research has shown that neurodegenerative disease such as MCI-AD deteriorates nerve cells that control cognitive speech and language processes, affecting an individual’s ability to make effective verbal utterances. As a result, the need for early detection of MCI-AD using linguistic biomarkers has grown. However, it is still prevalent to diagnose MCI-AD utilizing a combination of neuropsychological batteries and a doctor’s longitudinal observation of the individual. In a recent study, an independent linguistic battery comprising only the language components or subtests of popular neuropsychological batteries showed a better clinical detection for MCI-AD than using an exhaustive battery of tests. As confirmed by the study, the figures below compare the underlying patterns of the linguistic components and risk factors of MCI-AD and healthy control groups.

What is the Alzheimer’s Dementia Continuum?

…several findings suggest a possible reversal of AD-type MCI with carefully administered behavioral therapy, including brain-stimulating exercises.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the prodromal stage of Dementia. Imagine the disease as a continuum, beginning with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) to possible/probable AD, and ultimately Dementia, the end-stage. Not all healthy people will have MCI, and not all MCI will result in AD. However, there is research evidence that a substantial proportion of people with AD-type MCI will progress to AD and subsequently Dementia. On the other hand, several findings suggest a possible reversal of AD-type MCI with carefully administered behavioral therapy, including brain-stimulating exercises. In addition to a good diet (the Mediterranean diet preferred), a minimum of 30 minutes of daily exercise, social connectedness (community groups, family, friends), and brain-stimulating exercises have been associated with possible reversal or delay of AD-type Dementia.

The figure below gives a clear overview of the Alzheimer’s disease Dementia continuum.

Overview of Alzheimer’s disease Dementia continuum. Image source: https://www.alz.org/

Below, I provide a list of websites where you can try out different brain-stimulating exercises:

BRAINGLE: Braingle is a place to solve puzzles, brush up on your trivia, play games and give your brain a workout.

brainHQ: American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) brain training exercise.

JigZone: Online Jigsaw Puzzles

Lumosity: Personalized brain training.

WholisticResearch: Brain exercises to improve cognitive performance and memory retention.

For additional information on Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia, visit https://www.alz.org/.

There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.

John Green