- Impaired cognitive flexibility, not memory loss, might be the initial sign of Alzheimer's disease.
- A study on genetically engineered mice showed cognitive flexibility problems emerge before memory deficits.
- Overactive neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex lead to a feedback loop that increases amyloid-beta plaques.
- Chemically quieting overactive neurons in mice reduced amyloid accumulation and improved cognitive flexibility.
- Early diagnosis through cognitive flexibility could lead to more effective Alzheimer's treatment in humans.