When we think of Alzheimer’s disease, we often associate it with memory loss and cognitive decline. However, researchers are discovering that the brain may send out much earlier, more unexpected signals such as breathing patterns.
Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour, can be a challenge for medical professionals to diagnose before its devastating symptoms become apparent.
Traditional methods of detection, such as testing for amyloid proteins in cerebrospinal fluid or using positron emission tomography (PET) scans, are either invasive or expensive.
Moreover, the presence of amyloid plaques, once thought to be a primary cause of Alzheimer’s, is now considered more of a symptom than a root cause, following the failure of drugs targeting these proteins.
In light of these challenges, a team of researchers from the University of Lancaster (UL) in the UK and the University of Ljubljana Medical Centre in Slovenia embarked on a mission to explore other avenues for early detection.
Their focus turned to the brain’s neurovascular unit (NVU), a crucial network where brain cells and blood vessels intersect. The NVU is responsible for ensuring the brain receives adequate nourishment from the bloodstream, and the team hypothesised that Alzheimer’s could be linked to deficiencies in this area.
The study, published in the journal Brain Communications, involved monitoring a group of Alzheimer’s patients and a control group without the disease using a combination of electrical and optical probes, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and a strap to measure breathing.
This multi-faceted approach allowed the researchers to observe the synchronisation of brain activity, heart rate, and breathing.
What they found was striking. In healthy individuals, the brain’s oxygenation and blood flow oscillate at a frequency of about 0.1 Hz, or once every 10 seconds. However, in Alzheimer’s patients, these oscillations were out of phase, suggesting a disruption in the delivery of oxygenated blood to the brain.
But the most unexpected discovery was the change in breathing patterns. Typically, a person at rest takes around 13 breaths per minute. Yet, those with Alzheimer’s were found to breathe significantly faster, averaging about 17 breaths per minute.
Lead author Aneta Stefanovska from UL expressed excitement over the findings, stating, ‘This is an interesting discovery—in my opinion, a revolutionary one—that may open a whole new world in the study of Alzheimer’s disease.’
‘It most likely reflects an inflammation, maybe in the brain, that once detected can probably be treated and severe states of Alzheimer’s might be prevented in the future.’
The implications are profound; if this breathing pattern can be confirmed as a reliable indicator, it could pave the way for a simple, non-invasive, and affordable method for early Alzheimer’s detection.
The research team is now considering the creation of a spin-off company to develop this diagnostic technique further. If successful, it could transform the landscape of Alzheimer’s care, potentially allowing for earlier intervention and treatment.
This research underscores the importance of paying attention to subtle changes in health and behaviour. While it’s too early to use breathing rate as a definitive diagnostic tool, it’s a reminder that our bodies often give us clues about our health that we shouldn’t ignore.
We encourage you to stay informed about the latest developments in Alzheimer’s research and to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. Early detection and lifestyle changes can make a significant difference in managing the disease and maintaining quality of life.
Have you or a loved one experienced changes in breathing patterns or other early signs of cognitive decline? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below. Your insights could help others in the YourLifeChoices community to stay vigilant and proactive about their health.
Also read: Landmark study identifies 14 key Alzheimer’s risk factors
