10 diseases may be linked to Alzheimer's years before diagnosis

A Finnish study shows that depression, dizziness, headaches and strokes were among the conditions linked to the early onset of Alzheimer's disease years before diagnosis.

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A new Finnish study suggests that some medical conditions may indicate early Alzheimer's disease several years before it is diagnosed.

The researchers found that depression, dizziness, headaches and other conditions were more common during the five years before diagnosis, potentially providing clues to early diagnosis.

Researchers analyzed the medical records of 407 people with early-onset Alzheimer's disease and 4,035 age- and sex-matched people without a diagnosis, focusing on the 15 years before diagnosis.

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The average age at diagnosis was 60 years. Premature disease is diagnosed in people under 65 years of age.

These findings were published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia.

A new Finnish study suggests that some medical conditions may indicate early Alzheimer's disease several years before it is diagnosed. (iStock)

The following conditions were found to be significantly more common among people who were eventually diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's.

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Dizziness (5.9% of those diagnosed, vs. 2.1% of those not diagnosed)

Alcohol-related disorders (3.4% vs. 1.4%)

Ear, throat and nose disorders (5.2% vs. 2.9%)

The researchers found that depression, dizziness, headaches and other conditions were more common in the five years before diagnosis. (iStock)

The study found that differences in medical conditions were more pronounced in the five years before an early Alzheimer's diagnosis.

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The researchers also found that health care visits among patients with early-onset Alzheimer's were significantly increased immediately before and during the time of diagnosis, which may indicate emerging symptoms.

Suvi-Johanna Krüger, M.D. "It is well known that the neuropathological changes associated with Alzheimer's disease begin at least 15 to 20 years before the appearance of clinical cognitive symptoms," said Ph.D., a study co-author and clinical lecturer at the University of Oulu, in a press release.

"Most previous studies have focused on late-onset Alzheimer's disease, and significantly less is known about early-onset Alzheimer's disease."

Because this study was observational, it only establishes associations and cannot show that these conditions can reliably predict Alzheimer's disease.

"Our study cannot determine whether these conditions cause early onset Alzheimer's disease or whether they are consequences of the underlying disease process," Kruger noted.

"Some conditions may represent risk factors, while others may reflect early symptoms or changes that occur during the prodromal phase of the disease."

Genetics, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors may also play a role in patient outcomes.

"Early detection is important because more treatment options and support are available in the early stages of the disease."

Also, researchers were unable to independently confirm all medical diagnoses or assess the severity of patients' illnesses. Furthermore, the findings may not apply to populations outside of Finland.

Larger studies examining disease biomarkers, genetics, and clinical assessments could help determine whether there is a causal relationship between medical conditions and Alzheimer's incidence, and whether these medical patterns can be used to improve early detection.

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Experts say it's important for people who experience persistent medical symptoms, including memory or cognitive problems, to see a health care provider.

"Early detection is important because more treatment and support options are available in the early stages of the disease," advised Krueger.

"Early detection also gives individuals and their families more time to plan for the future and access appropriate support services."

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