Lower blood flow first sign of Alzheimer’s

Scientists have identified the first physiological sign of Alzheimer’s disease -a decrease in blood flow in the brain -using a powerful tool to better understand the progression of the debilitating disease.

Led by Alan Evans, a professor at Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) in Canada, the researchers analysed over 7,700 brain images from 1,171 people in various stages of Alzheimer’s progression, using a variety of techniques including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET).

Blood and cerebrospinal fluid were also analysed, as as well as the subjects’ level of cognition. The study also found that changes in cognition begin earlier in the progression than previously believed.