Alzheimer’s research identifies cognitive flexibility as potential early warning sign

A new study published in Nature Communications suggests that a loss of cognitive flexibility may serve as an early warning sign for Alzheimer’s disease, appearing months before traditional memory loss symptoms.

Cognitive flexibility refers to the ability to adjust behavior or thought processes when circumstances change. Researchers found that while an individual might still perform familiar tasks correctly, they may struggle to adapt when faced with unexpected changes, such as a detour on a routine route.

According to the National Institutes of Health, over 7 million Americans are estimated to be living with Alzheimer’s. The disease remains the fifth leading cause of death among Americans aged 65 and older, with deaths attributed to the condition increasing by 134% between 2000 and 2024.