New Study Reveals Alzheimer's Progresses in Two Distinct Phases

Researchers identify an early silent phase of brain damage preceding symptomatic cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease.

The study suggests Alzheimer's disease initially damages the brain in a slow, silent phase before symptoms appear, followed by rapid degeneration.
Advanced brain mapping tools revealed early damage to inhibitory neurons, which may trigger neural issues underlying Alzheimer's.
The second phase is characterized by rapid accumulation of protein plaques and tangles, leading to severe cognitive decline.
Research involved genetic analysis of brain cells from 84 deceased donors, providing a detailed timeline of disease progression.
The findings could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, altering the current understanding of Alzheimer's impact on the brain.