Warning signal dementia: Visual atrophy is that dangerous when driving!

Warning signal dementia: Visual atrophy is that dangerous when driving!

San Francisco, USA - Alzheimer is the most common form of dementia and affects millions of people worldwide. One of the often overlooked symptoms of this disease is posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), which causes serious visual impairments. As fr.de , PCA can strongly impair the ability to assess distances and to recognize objects, which is extremely dangerous when driving.

statistics show that about 10 % of Alzheimer's cases are associated with PCA. A study by the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) showed that Alzheimer's symptoms also occur in 94 % of PCA cases. The diagnosis of PCA is often lengthy; On average, it takes almost four years for the correct diagnosis to be made. The visual symptoms are often not associated with Alzheimer's, which can lead to the delay of the necessary treatment.

The course and the symptoms of PCA

pca can often occur long before the typical memory problems. As a rule, patients first look for the advice of opticians or ophthalmologists who may not recognize the disease. The typical age for the appearance of PCA is around 59 years old, with many patients between 50 and 65 years old, such as

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diagnosis and treatment

The diagnostics of PCA contains neuropsychological tests, blood tests, brain scans and neurological studies. The key recognition features include the gradual visual symptoms and the preserved memory. So far, however, a clear definition of the disease has been missing, which makes it difficult to determine the prevalence. There are currently no standardized treatment approaches that could slow down or stop the progression of PCA.

However,

Latest developments in research could offer hope: special drugs, especially anti-Tau medication, are examined, which could be promising in early stages. Early detection and treatment are crucial to improve the quality of life of those affected, especially since women tend to be affected more often.

research to improve quality of life

The improvement of the quality of life of people with dementia is also the focus of the Alzheimer Research Initiative e.V. , which offers funding for innovative research projects. These funding has a term of up to three years and are aimed at researchers at German universities and research institutions. From 2025 the Care Research Grant will also be awarded, which aims specifically on the quality of life from dementia patients.

At the first signs of PCA, those affected should definitely obtain medical advice in order to minimize risks in road traffic and enable early treatment.

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