Originally published November 10 2005
Psychologist studies the early stages of Alzheimer's
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
David Balota, a professor of psychology at Washington University, has produced a study that claims attention lapses attend the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
The researchers say that finding offers new support for theories that contend breakdowns in attention play an important role in the onset of the disease.
'Our results provide evidence that breakdowns in attention produce a clear change in the early stages of Alzheimer`s-related dementia,' said study co-author David Balota, a professor of psychology.
Problems in attention shifting -- such as driving a car while conversing with a passenger -- may offer a reliable clue that a patient is grappling with early symptoms of Alzheimer`s-related dementia.
While it`s well known that memory skills deteriorate as Alzheimer`s progresses, recent research by Balota and study lead author, Associate Professor Janet Duchek, suggest breakdowns in attention may be at the heart of many cognitive problems linked with Alzheimer`s.
'Because attention is prerequisite for memory, one might suspect that attention is one of the contributing culprits, at least early on in the disease,' Duchek said.
The study was published in a recent issue of the journal Neuropsychology.
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