This Physical Change May Reveal Dementia 9 Years Before Diagnosis

<div><img src="https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/67333efa1f00001f00b26cea.jpeg?ops=scalefit_630_noupscale" alt="" data-caption="" data-credit-link-back="" data-credit="Malcolm P Chapman via Getty Images" /></div><div class="content-list-component text"><p>Scientists increasingly think Alzheimer’s, or its risk factors, can show themselves many more years before diagnosis than we previously suspected. </p><p>A study published in February found <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/dementia-sign-shows-up-before-memory-loss_uk_66a8b546e4b0e33a3bb7f505">that spatial navigation struggles</a> that seem to be associated with increased dementia risk may be noticeable 25 years before diagnosis, for instance. </p><p>Some physical changes, like <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/standing-on-one-leg-age-test_uk_671a0cf5e4b07a6807468ef2">how long you’re able to stand on one leg</a> and <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/early-dementia-sign-gait-change_uk_6720b144e4b0dd72996c9b54">gait speed,</a> have also been linked to a higher likelihood of developing dementia, especially combined with mental changes like forgetfulness. </p><p>And now, a new study has linked increased frailty to dementia nine years ahead of its official diagnosis. </p><h3><strong>How did scientists find that out?</strong></h3><p>Researchers from The University Of Queensland <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/2826165?guestAccessKey=98020e21-9d5c-44f4-a61a-700fe71d53f6&amp;utm_source=for_the_media&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=ftm_links&amp;utm_content=tfl&amp;utm_term=111124" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">looked at international data</a&