Visual difficulties can often occur before memory loss in dementia, increasing the risk of accidents while driving.
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia and affects millions of people worldwide. While many associate memory loss with this disease, there is an early symptom that is often overlooked and can be particularly dangerous when driving: posterior cortical atrophy (PCA). This condition causes visual difficulties that can make it significantly more difficult to judge distances and recognize objects. It occurs in around ten percent of Alzheimer's cases.
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Study shows: PCA in ten percent of Alzheimer's cases
Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is a sign of Alzheimer's disease that presents with visual problems. Those affected have difficulty estimating distances and recognizing objects. These challenges are particularly problematic when driving a car because they require random recognition of traffic situations and quick reactions. The symptoms often appear long before the classic memory problems and can lead to dangerous situations on the road.
One in the specialist magazine The Lancet Neurology A published study from the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) shows that PCA is associated with Alzheimer's disease in 94 percent of cases. Despite its high prevalence, PCA often goes undetected. The study, which included over 1,000 patients from 16 countries, found that PCA takes, on average, almost four years to diagnose. This delay is because the visual symptoms are often not associated with Alzheimer's.
Challenges in diagnosis and treatment options
PCA is often overlooked because patients often first visit optometrists or ophthalmologists, who may not recognize the condition. Dr. UCSF's Marianne Chapleau emphasizes the need for greater awareness and improved diagnostic methods. On average, PCA occurs after the age of 59, which makes diagnosis difficult because it does not fit into the typical picture of Alzheimer's.
New therapies, particularly with anti-tau drugs, offer hope for patients with PCA. These early stages could be effective, as co-author Renaud La Joie explains. However, further research is needed to understand why Alzheimer's specifically attacks the visual areas of the brain. Women are extremely affected by PCA, which also poses another puzzle for researchers. The incidental detection and treatment of PCA is crucial to improve the quality of life of those affected. At the first signs, those affected should seek medical advice in order to minimize possible risks, especially in road traffic.
General signs of dementia and prevention
In addition to visual symptoms, there are, according to the German Brain Foundation General signs that may indicate dementia. These include problems with short-term memory, difficulty finding words and difficulties in completing everyday tasks. Early awareness of these symptoms is important because prevention measures such as a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk. Sufficient exercise, a healthy diet and enough sleep are said to reduce the risk of dementia by up to 30 percent.
