We all have moments where we misplace keys or forget what we walked into a room for. In midlife, we tend to blame it on being busy or overwhelmed.
But new research reveals that certain biological changes in the brain could already be early signs of a serious form of dementia.
Scientists Identify New Biomarkers
A recent U.S. study has pinpointed specific proteins in spinal fluid that may indicate frontotemporal dementia long before clear symptoms appear.
Dementia in Midlife Often Misdiagnosed
Frontotemporal dementia commonly strikes between the ages of 40 and 65, and is often mistaken for depression, schizophrenia, or other mental health conditions.
Also read: This Is Why the Belly Grows Bigger As We Age
Brain Connections Begin to Falter
The study shows the disease affects the brain’s ability to communicate between regions—well before memory problems become obvious.
RNA Production Disrupted
A key finding reveals that the disease interferes with RNA regulation, which is crucial for healthy brain cell function.
Symptoms Can Be Detected Early
With inherited forms of frontotemporal dementia, researchers can study living patients and detect these changes years before diagnosis would normally be possible.
Toward Earlier Diagnosis
Protein testing could be a breakthrough in identifying the disease earlier—giving patients access to the right care and research opportunities.
Also read: This Common BBQ Habit Might Be Harming Your Health
It’s Not Just Inherited Forms
The same biological changes were observed in non-inherited cases, meaning the findings could help a broader population.
Paving the Way for New Treatments
Early identification allows for enrollment in clinical trials and opens the door to tailored treatment paths based on a patient’s biology.
No Cure for Frontotemporal Dementia Yet
Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, there are currently no approved treatments for frontotemporal dementia—only supportive care options.
New Hope for Those in Their 40s and 50s
These discoveries offer hope for midlife patients who’ve previously been misdiagnosed—or overlooked entirely.
Also read: Why Getting Too Much or Too Little Sleep Could Be Harming Your Heart
This article is based on information from Medical News Today