Lesser-known Alzheimer's symptom could occur while driving

Experts have warned a lesser-known Alzheimer's symptom could become apparent while driving. This symptom affects around 10 percent of those with Alzheimer's disease - the most common form of dementia.

While many are familiar with the common traits of dementia, a condition that gradually impairs cognitive function, leading indicators often incorporate memory lapses and shifts in behaviour. Nevertheless, a number of less recognized signs exist, as highlighted by recent research findings.

A study illustrates that posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), usually not immediately associated with the syndrome, crops up in a tenth of Alzheimer's sufferers. PCA manifests through an array of visuospatial issues that surface initially in Alzheimer's disease progression.

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One of the researchers involved, Marianne Chapleau, indicated that patients affected by PCA do not typically exhibit memory problems, but rather have difficulties gauging distances, distinguishing static from moving objects, and conducting simple activities such as writing or picking up items, even if their eyesight tests come back normal.

The organisation Rare Dementia Support acknowledged that this can lead to noticeable "difficulties" in driving "quite early on". Additionally, it increases the chances of becoming disorientated while driving or walking. In the research spearheaded by UC San Francisco, the team assessed data from upwards of 1,000 individuals across 16 nations, finding that PCA is a strong predictor of Alzheimer's.

A staggering 94 percent of people with posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) showed signs of Alzheimer's pathology, according to Science Daily. At the same time, other studies demonstrate that only about 70 percent of patients with memory loss can be attributed to Alzheimer's pathology.

In terms of symptoms, the data is quite revealing: 61 percent struggled to replicate or create basic shapes or figures; almost half had trouble pinpointing the location of things they saw, and a similar number could not perceive multiple objects simultaneously. Furthermore, challenges arose in performing fundamental mathematical calculations for 47 percent and reading issues were reported by 43 percent.

Study authors are calling for improved methods to identify patients with PCA at an earlier stage. "We need more awareness of PCA so that it can be flagged by clinicians," said Chapleau.

"Most patients see their optometrist when they start experiencing visual symptoms and may be referred to an ophthalmologist who may also fail to recognize PCA. We need better tools in clinical settings to identify these patients early on and get them treatment."

On average, PCA symptoms emerge at age 59, which is younger than typical Alzheimer's onset, highlighting why diagnosis is less likely for PCA patients, added Chapleau. Senior author Gil Rabinovici, director of the UCSF Alzheimer's Disease Research Centre, emphasised the need for a better understanding of PCA) not only for improved patient care but also for insights into Alzheimer's disease processes.

He commented: "It's critical that doctors learn to recognize the syndrome so patients can receive the correct diagnosis, counselling and care." Delving deeper, he said: "From a scientific point of view, we really need to understand why Alzheimer's is specifically targeting visual rather than memory areas of the brain. Our study found that 60 percent of patients with PCA were women - better understanding of why they appear to be more susceptible is one important area of future research."

The Alzheimer's Society has issued a warning regarding driving abilities: "As dementia gets worse, it affects these skills even more. This means everyone with dementia will eventually be unable to drive safely. How quickly this happens varies from person to person.

"Most drivers with Alzheimer’s disease will need to stop driving in the middle stage of dementia. Some types of dementia have certain early symptoms that mean an end to driving might be sooner. For example, visual hallucinations are common in dementia with Lewy bodies and impulsive behaviour is common in frontotemporal dementia."

Anyone experiencing dementia symptoms should consult a doctor without delay.