Alzheimer’s May Begin with Adaptability Decline, Not Memory Loss
New mouse-model research shows cognitive flexibility—the ability to shift strategies—deteriorates before spatial memory in Alzheimer’s, linked to overactive corticostriatal circuits and reduced cholinergic interneuron activity. Quieting the overactive pathway improved adaptability and lowered amyloid-beta, suggesting early diagnostic and therapeutic targets focus on executive function rather than memory loss.
