The article presents a thorough examination of Alzheimer's disease (AD), emphasizing early detection as critical due to the disease's progression through stages from normal cognition to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and eventually dementia. The review underscores the importance of identifying AD in its preclinical stages to prevent irreversible neuronal damage and the need for precise diagnostic methods that go beyond invasive and costly procedures like lumbar puncture and PET imaging. The review discusses various non-cognitive signs that may indicate the onset of AD, such as behavioral and psychological symptoms, sleep disorders, sensory impairments, and physical changes.
It suggests that these signs, though not definitive, could serve as early predictors of cognitive decline. The article also highlights the role of the gut microbiome and the potential of blood-based biomarkers in the early diagnosis of AD. Historical shifts in diagnostic approaches are detailed, showing a move from reliance on clinical evidence to the incorporation of biological indicators.
The review outlines the evolution of diagnostic criteria, the introduction of biomarkers, and the potential impact of artificial intelligence in discovering new, minimally invasive biomarkers. Specific non-cognitive signs are explored in depth, including behavioral symptoms of dementia, circadian rhythm disruptions, sensory impairments, and the gut microbiome's influence on AD. The review points to the correlation betw.