Caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s presents significant challenges, and many people find themselves unprepared. Rosie Curiel Cid, Psy.D., a neuropsychologist at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, discussed the importance of early detection in Alzheimer’s disease on the “Inside U Miami Medicine” podcast with Henri Ford, M.D., dean of the Miller School.
“Most people aren’t equipped to care for elderly family members with Alzheimer’s,” Dr. Curiel Cid said. “That’s one of many reasons why early detection and intervention are so critical.”
Alzheimer’s is described as a progressive brain disorder where certain proteins—amyloid and tau—accumulate in the brain. This accumulation can damage brain structure and function, resulting in memory and thinking problems. However, not everyone with these protein buildups develops severe memory loss, and some individuals with cognitive symptoms do not have this specific protein accumulation.
Dr. Curiel Cid highlighted an important demographic trend: “Soon, and for the first time in human history, there will be more older people than children in this country. At the same time, rates of dementia are rising. Is our society ready?” She emphasized that this raises concerns about whether society is prepared to address increasing dementia cases.
In response to these challenges, Dr. Curiel Cid and her team have developed a new cognitive challenge test designed to detect very subtle changes in memory or thinking that may indicate early stages of Alzheimer’s—even before consistent symptoms appear. The test is closely aligned with biological warning signs observed in the brain.
“Linking markers of brain disease with early cognitive change is essential for accurate and timely detection and prognostication,” Dr. Curiel Cid said. Early identification allows doctors to diagnose more precisely and predict how the disease might progress.
Early detection enables access to newly approved treatments that can slow down Alzheimer’s progression. Acting promptly helps patients remain longer in milder stages of the disease, preserving their quality of life.
More information about this research is available on an episode of “Inside U Miami Medicine,” where Dr. Curiel Cid discusses advancements in detecting early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
