A recent study revealed that individuals who self-report memory problems, corroborated by their partners, have higher levels of tau tangles, a key Alzheimer’s disease biomarker. This correlation suggests that early detection of memory issues could be crucial for effective intervention, especially with the advent of new treatments.
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. 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.The scientists found that 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.