Problems in attention shifting -- such as driving a car while conversing with a passenger -- may offer a reliable clue that a patient is grappling with early symptoms of Alzheimer's-related dementia.

While it's well known that memory skills deteriorate as Alzheimer's progresses, recent research by Balota and study lead author, Associate Professor Janet Duchek, suggest breakdowns in attention may be at the heart of many cognitive problems linked with Alzheimer's.