People who report early memory problems and whose partners also suspect they have memory problems have higher levels of tau tangles in the brain, a biomarker associated with Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study published in the May 29, 2024, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
The study involved 675 adults with an average age of 72 who did not have cognitive impairment on formal testing. All had brain scans for amyloid plaques. Of this group, 60% had elevated levels of amyloid, meaning they were at risk for developing cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease even though, at the time of the scan, they were cognitively normal. Participants did not know if they had elevated levels of amyloid.
Each participant had a study partner—a spouse, child or friend—who could answer questions about the participant’s thinking and memory skills and ability to perform daily tasks. In 65% of cases, partners lived with participants.
Each participant and their partner completed a questionnaire to assess the participant’s subjective cognitive decline. Questions included, “Compared to one year ago, do you feel that your memory has declined substantially?” and “Compared to one year ago, do you have more difficulty managing money?” Participants’ and partners’ scores were recorded with higher scores indicating greater complaints about memory.
Researchers also reviewed brain scans for levels of tau tangles. Greater tau is also a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and is at higher levels in people with elevated amyloid.
Researchers found participants with higher levels of tau tangles in the brain had higher scores of complaints on the memory questionnaire. Their partners also scored them higher. This association was stronger in participants who had elevated levels of amyloid plaques.
