New Alzheimer's study discovers symptom starts in ear 10 years before memory loss

New Alzheimer's study discovers symptom starts in ear 10 years before memory loss New study has found that people who develop early-onset Alzheimer's disease may experience same symptom up to 10 years prior A new study has found that dementia may affect one part of the body years before major memory loss starts. Published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, the research by scientists at the University of Oulu and the University of Eastern Finland shows that people who develop early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, diagnosed before age 65, may have different health problems as long as 15 years before their diagnosis. The study found that hearing problems, such as ringing in the ears and nerve-related hearing loss, can be early warning signs. In the six to 10 years before an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, people are twice as likely to report these problems, before serious thinking and memory loss becomes clear. Experts say this may happen because early plaques in the brain quietly harm the area that processes sound. Another possibility is that understanding sounds takes so much effort that the brain has less energy for other thinking tasks. In a recent YouTube video called "10 Dementia Warning Signs You’re Missing", American healthcare researcher Neal K Shah explained the new findings, reports Wales Online. He said: "Six to 10 years out before the diagnosis - out of all 23 categories - one and only one warning light flashed: Oto rhino laryngological diseases. It's the medical term for ear, nose, and throat conditions. Specifically, it came down to tinitis - a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears, a bilateral sensory neural hearing loss, meaning that nerve related hearing loss happens in both ears. "Six to 10 years before diagnosis, future patients were more than twice as likely to have those ear conditions. 4.7% in the study versus 2.1% in controls, climbing to 5.2% versus 2.9% in the final five years. So why do ringing in your ears and hearing loss in your 50s connect to Alzheimer's 10 years later? Scientists found two biological reasons." "First, think of your brain like a battery with limited daily processing power called cognitive reserve. When your inner ear struggles to pick up crisp sound in a noisy restaurant or in an office meeting, your brain starts working overtime just to decode speech, like listening to a talk show through heavy radio static. And that steals energy from your memory and thinking centers. "Secondly, the traffic flows both ways. Early Alzheimer's plaques and tangles can hit the auditory cortex, your brain's sound processing system, years before they wreck your memory. Sometimes trouble following conversations or constant ringing in your ears isn't just an ear problem. It's the first subtle echo of your brain sound processing system misfiring." According to the NHS, dementia is an umbrella term for a syndrome that causes an ongoing decline in brain functioning, affecting memory, thinking, language, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities. Dementia is not a natural or normal part of aging. It happens when diseases or injuries damage nerve cells in the brain, making it hard for brain cells to communicate properly. What other early signs of dementia are there? According to Dr Asiya Maula, GP and director at The Health Suite: "Many people dismiss the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer's disease as simply getting older, but persistent changes in memory, thinking or behaviour should never be ignored. An early assessment can provide answers, access to support and, in some cases, opportunities to take part in clinical research." Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent cause of dementia, affecting roughly two in every three people living with the condition across the UK. While the occasional lapse in memory can be a perfectly normal part of growing older, dementia itself is not an unavoidable consequence of ageing. Rather, it stems from diseases that affect the brain and gradually interferes with day-to-day life. As the UK population continues to age, the number of people living with dementia is forecast to rise to more than 1.4 million by 2040, according to Alzheimer's Research UK. One of the most frequently reported early warning signs is memory loss that disrupts daily activities. This may involve repeatedly asking the same questions, forgetting recent conversations or appointments, or becoming increasingly dependent on notes and reminders for tasks that were previously second nature. That said, memory difficulties are just one facet of the condition. People with Alzheimer's disease may also experience: - Difficulty finding the right words or following conversations. - Problems planning or organising everyday tasks. - Becoming confused about time or place. - Poor judgement or difficulty making decisions. - Changes in mood, personality or behaviour. - Withdrawal from hobbies, work or social activities. - Misplacing items and being unable to retrace steps to find them. Dr Maula explained: "Family members are often the first to notice subtle changes. Someone who has always been organised may begin struggling to manage finances or appointments. Others may become quieter, more anxious or less confident in situations they once handled with ease." The doctor also stresses that it is crucial to bear in mind that Alzheimer's disease affects every individual differently. Some people may first notice changes in communication, while others may find they struggle with planning, problem-solving or finding their way around. When should someone seek help? Many people may put off seeking medical guidance because they are frightened about what a diagnosis could entail or are concerned that their symptoms are merely a natural part of getting older. According to specialists, anyone who observes persistent changes in their memory or thinking - or who has worries about similar changes in a loved one - should consult their GP. Dr Maula said: "People sometimes wait until symptoms become severe but there is real value in getting assessed early. A diagnosis can help people understand what is happening, access practical and emotional support, plan for the future and discuss available treatments and research opportunities." Medical professionals may conduct an initial assessment before referring someone for more comprehensive cognitive testing or brain imaging where appropriate. Early diagnosis can also enable families to better grasp the condition and make decisions collectively while the person with dementia is still capable of expressing their preferences. Fear of losing independence, shifting relationships or facing unfair treatment at work or in social situations can make it challenging to speak candidly about a diagnosis. "One of the biggest misconceptions is that life ends when someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease," says Dr Maula. "In reality, many people continue to lead active, meaningful lives for years. Openness can help reduce stigma and ensure that people receive the understanding and support they deserve." Being told you have Alzheimer's disease can be utterly devastating. Specialists advise that individuals should share the news in their own time and at a pace that feels right for them. Some may opt to inform only their nearest family members at first, while others may prefer to bring trusted friends into the picture from an early stage.