Washington, Feb 22 (IANS): If you think you are developing Alzheimer’s, you could be right, warns a study.

The study suggests that self-reported memory complaints might predict clinical memory impairment later in life.

“Have you noticed any change in your memory since you last came in? That question led to some interesting results,” said Erin Abner, assistant professor at University of Kentucky when she asked 3,701 men aged 60 and higher this simple question.

“It seems that subjective memory complaint can be predictive of clinical memory impairment,” Abner added.

The results are meaningful because it might help identify people who are at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease sooner.

People who notice memory and thinking lapses should understand that these are early markers of risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

“We might eventually be able to intervene earlier in the aging process to postpone and/or reduce the effects of cognitive memory impairment,” stressed Abner.

Abner, however, emphasises that her work shouldn’t necessarily worry everyone who’s ever forgotten where they left their keys.

“I don't want to alarm people,” she said.

It’s important to distinguish between normal memory lapses and significant memory problems, which usually change over time and affect multiple aspects of daily life.