Alzheimer's-related brain changes could start at 40

Professor Joanna Wardlaw (Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences) and colleagues published an article in Lancet Neurology titled 'Neuroimaging standards for research into small vessel disease and its contribution to ageing and neurodegeneration' in 2013. This paper was foundational in the recently published research from the University of Southern California.

Researchers at the University of Southern California have revealed how damage to specific cells (pericytes) can trigger white matter disease. in the 2013 article Professor Joanna Wardlaw and colleagues link cerebral small vessel disease with dementia, stating that it contributes to over 50% of dementia cases. Furthermore, the recent study in Southern California suggests that these brain changes may occur as early as the age of 40.