Japanese researchers have developed a technique to identify individuals who may have Alzheimer’s disease by asking simple questions and observing their behavior. The method is expected to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.

The study, by researchers from Keio University and Saiseikai Yokohamashi Tobu Hospital, showed that Alzheimer's disease can be predicted by identifying the "head-turning sign (HTS)." This behavior, where patients turn their head toward a caregiver for assistance when a doctor asks a set of simple questions, is commonly seen in people with dementia.

The research was published in the medical journal Alzheimer's Research & Therapy on Nov. 21.

The team, led by Keio University professor Daisuke Ito, conducted an experiment involving 155 participants, including both dementia patients and healthy individuals, using simple questions to look for signs of the disease based on answers and behavior.

The results showed that 83% of individuals who answered "no" or gave incorrect responses to the questions "Are you currently experiencing any difficulties?" and "Have any news stories in the past three months caught your attention?" and provided specific answers to "Do you have something you enjoy?" tested positive for Alzheimer's in follow-up exams.

Ito told FNN that Alzheimer's patients often try to appear healthy or conceal their illness, which explains the tendency to give specific answers when asked about things they enjoy. Those who answered "no" to all three questions tend to have dementia that is not Alzheimer's, he said.

Additionally, 87% of those who sought help from family or exhibited HTS gestures also tested positive. The research team concluded that observing responses and behavior can accurately identify individuals at high risk for the disease.

This method has shown potential for efficiently screening patients with dementia and mild cognitive impairment who are eligible for Alzheimer's treatment.

Alzheimer's disease is thought to develop when abnormal proteins such as amyloids accumulate in the brain, damaging nerve cells and impairing function.

The lecanemab drug, approved by the health ministry in September last year, targets these proteins and is designed to treat patients with early Alzheimer’s dementia and mild cognitive impairment — a precursor to the disease — underscoring the increasing importance of early detection.

By 2025, it is estimated that approximately 6.75 million people age 65 and older — more than 1 in 5 of Japan's over-65 population — will be living with dementia, according to a statement from the university. An average of three caregivers will be needed per dementia patient, and it is predicted that more than 10 million people will need to be involved in caregiving in the future.

In 2022, the number of elderly people with dementia reached 4.43 million, according to data from the health ministry.