International Journal of Clinical Case Reports 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 276-289 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijccr 277 enough to interfere significantly with daily life. This condition is pivotal in the context of early diagnosis because approximately 10% to 15% of individuals with MCI progress to AD each year, compared to 1-2% in the general population (Lombardi et al., 2020). Identifying MCI early provides a crucial window for interventions that could delay the onset of AD and enhance the quality of life for patients. Diagnostic strategies often involve a combination of detailed neuropsychological assessments and neuroimaging techniques. Structural MRI, for instance, is used to identify atrophy in brain regions like the hippocampus, which is a hallmark of AD progression. Despite its utility, the sensitivity and specificity of MRI as a standalone diagnostic tool are moderate, necessitating its use alongside other methods. Recent advancements have focused on identifying reliable biomarkers such as amyloid-beta and tau proteins in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which have shown promise in distinguishing MCI from normal aging and predicting progression to AD (García-Ptacek et al., 2016). However, the clinical application of these biomarkers is still limited by issues related to cost, accessibility, and the need for specialized equipment and expertise. As research continues, there is a growing emphasis on a multifaceted diagnostic approach that combines neuroimaging, fluid biomarkers, and cognitive testing to improve the accuracy and early identification of those at risk of progressing toAD. 2.2 Early behavioral and psychological symptoms Early behavioral and psychological symptoms often accompany cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and can serve as significant early indicators of the condition. These symptoms include depression, anxiety, apathy, irritability, and mild agitation, which are frequently observed in individuals diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) - a precursor to AD. Research suggests that these symptoms may appear several years before more obvious cognitive impairments become evident, acting as early harbingers of the disease. For instance, depression has been associated with an increased risk of developing AD, and studies have shown that individuals with a history of depression are more likely to progress from MCI to AD (Wu, 2024). These early psychological changes are not merely a reaction to cognitive decline but are believed to be part of the underlying neuropathological process of AD, with neuroimaging studies revealing structural and functional changes in brain regions such as the hippocampus and amygdala that are involved in mood regulation and emotional processing (Liu et al., 2023). Additionally, some patients may present with atypical behavioral symptoms like changes in personality or impaired executive function, which can complicate the diagnosis and lead to misinterpretation as psychiatric conditions. Recognizing and understanding these early behavioral and psychological symptoms is crucial, as they can guide clinicians in making a more timely and accurate diagnosis. Early recognition also allows for appropriate interventions that may improve outcomes and slow the progression of the disease. 2.3 Case study analysis: identifying early signs and symptoms Case studies provide valuable insights into the clinical presentation and progression of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), particularly in its early stages. One illustrative case involves a 59-year-old woman who was initially diagnosed with depression at age 50. Despite receiving treatment for depression, her symptoms persisted and eventually included cognitive issues such as memory lapses and difficulty concentrating. By age 53, her cognitive decline had progressed to the point where she was evaluated for neurodegenerative disorders. Neuroimaging revealed significant atrophy in the hippocampus and hypometabolism in the parietal and temporal lobes, which are characteristic of early-onset AD (Liu et al., 2023). This case underscores the need for clinicians to consider neurodegenerative conditions when patients exhibit persistent psychiatric symptoms alongside subtle cognitive changes. Another significant study followed a cohort of 122 individuals diagnosed with MCI over a three-year period, using polygenic risk scores (PRS) to predict the likelihood of progression to AD. The study found that higher PRS, incorporating genetic risk factors such as the APOE ε4 allele, significantly increased the risk of conversion from MCI to AD, suggesting that genetic profiling could be a useful tool in early diagnosis and risk stratification. These cases highlight the importance of a
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