Determining how the risk for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias can be reduced through lifestyle changes is a critical issue in confronting the Alzheimer's epidemic and a priority for the Alzheimer's Association in funding research.
There are no clear-cut answers yet, but promising research is underway.
Risk factors
In most cases, Alzheimer's probably develops as a result of complex interactions among multiple risk factors, including age, genetics, environment, lifestyle and other medical conditions. Some risk factors may not be changed, such as age or family history. Other factors - such as high blood pressure and lack of exercise - can be changed and may help reduce dementia risk.
Head trauma: There may be a strong link between serious head injury and future risk of Alzheimer's, especially when trauma occurs repeatedly or involves loss of consciousness. Protect your brain by buckling your seat belt, wearing your helmet when participating in sports and "fall-proofing" your home.
Heart-head connection: Growing evidence links brain health to heart health. Your brain is nourished by one of your body's richest networks of blood vessels. Every heartbeat pumps about 20 to 25 percent of your blood to your head, where brain cells use at least 20 percent of the food and oxygen your blood carries.
The risk of developing Alzheimer's or vascular dementia appears to be increased by many conditions that damage the heart or blood vessels. These include high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high cholesterol. Work with your doctor to monitor your heart health and treat any problems that arise.
Studies of donated brain tissue provide additional evidence for the heart-head connection. These studies suggest that plaques and tangles are more likely to cause Alzheimer's symptoms if strokes or damage to the brain's blood vessels are also present.
Latinos and African-Americans at risk: Because Latinos and African-Americans in the United States have higher rates of vascular disease, they also may be at greater risk for developing Alzheimer's. According to a growing body of evidence, risk factors for vascular disease - including diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol - may also be risk factors for Alzheimer's and stroke-related dementia.
General healthy aging: Other lines of evidence suggest that strategies for overall healthy aging may help keep your brain as well as your body fit. These strategies may even offer some protection against developing Alzheimer's or related disorders. Try to keep your weight within recommended guidelines, avoid tobacco and excess alcohol, stay socially connected, and exercise both your body and mind.
The importance of brain health
When people think about staying fit, they generally think from the neck down. But the health of your brain plays a critical role in almost everything you do: thinking, feeling, remembering, working, playing - and even sleeping. The good news is that emerging evidence suggests there are steps you can take to help keep your brain healthier as you age. Below are steps that might also reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.
Make brain-healthy life choices: Like other parts of your body, your brain may lose some agility as you get older. It can deteriorate even more if you don't take care of it. Science is unlocking many of the mysteries of the brain, but we don't have all the answers yet. Y ou can do everything "right" and still not prevent Alzheimer's disease. What's offered here is the best and most up-to-date information available about brain health so you can make your own decisions about your overall health.
Stay physically active: Physical exercise is essential for maintaining good blood flow to the brain as well as to encourage new brain cells. It also can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and diabetes, and thereby protect against those risk factors for Alzheimer's and other dementias.
Adopt a brain-healthy diet: According to the most current research, a brain-healthy diet is one that reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes, encourages good blood flow to the brain, and is low in fat and cholesterol. Current research suggests that certain foods may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and appear to protect brain cells. These foods include dark-skinned fruits and vegetables that have the highest levels of naturally occurring antioxidant levels, cold water fish and some nuts that are a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant. Not enough information is available to indicate what quantities of these foods might be most beneficial for brain health.
Remain socially active: Social activity not only makes physical and mental activity more enjoyable, it can reduce stress levels, which helps maintain healthy connections among brain cells.
Stay mentally active: Mentally stimulating activities strengthen brain cells and the connections between them, and may even create new nerve cells.
Information provided by Alzheimer's Association. For more information, visit www.alz.org or call our 24/7 Helpline at (800) 272-3900.