Think You Have Alzheimer's? You Might Be Right

In a recent study, researchers found that self-reported memory complaints may be an early predictor of clinical memory impairment later in life. In other words, if you think you are losing your memory, you might be right.

In the study, Erin Abner, an assistant professor at the University of Kentucky's Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, asked 3,701 men aged 60 and higher one question: "Have you noticed any change in your memory since you last came in?"

That simple question led to interesting results, according to a press release.

"It seems that subjective memory complaint can be predictive of clinical memory impairment," Abner said. "Other epidemiologists have seen similar results, which is encouraging, since it means we might really be on to something."

This is significant because it might help doctors better identify those people who are at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

"If the memory and thinking lapses people notice themselves could be early markers of risk for Alzheimer's disease, we might eventually be able to intervene earlier in the aging process to postpone and/or reduce the effects of cognitive memory impairment," said Abner.

Since her research might be frightening to those who can't seem to recall what they ate for breakfast, Abner has emphasized that her work shouldn't necessarily worry everyone considers themselves "forgetful."

"I don't want to alarm people," she said. "It's important to distinguish between normal memory lapses and significant memory problems, which usually change over time and affect multiple aspects of daily life."

Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the US, with more than 5 million Americans currently living with the disease. In elderly populations, one in three will die of Alzheimer's or another type of dementia. This disease cost an estimated $203 billion in 2013, a cost that is expected to rise to $1.2 trillion by 2050, according to the Alzheimer's Association.