New studies by the Indiana University School of Medicine have revealed new insights into Alzheimer’s disease's progression and impact on caregiving. The research, led by Paul R. Territo and Juan Antonio Chong Chie, examined brain scans and blood tests from hundreds of people, including those with no cognitive issues, mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer”s disease. The study found that Alzheimer's does not progress in a straight line, with network density and connectivity following a 'W' shaped pattern across disease stages, suggesting that the brain undergoes phases of breakdown and compensation as it tries to maintain its normal function. The findings could help explain why women are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer‘s disease, particularly in men and women, where brain networks shrink and lose connection over time, and in women, networks become more fragmented. The second study, led to the discovery of differences in brain efficiency and the study followed 1,808 patients age 65 and older and their family members across 29 Indiana clinics. The researchers found that early diagnosis may help caregivers when it actually leads to diagnostic assessment, treatment and ongoing support.