Can we prevent Alzheimer's?

Want to significantly reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer's? Not only can you, but recent research suggests that you may have more power to prevent this type of dementia than previously thought.

A new study published online Aug. 20 in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry identified nine risk factors tied to a whopping two-thirds of Alzheimer's cases worldwide, the majority of which are lifestyle related, and thus potentially controllable. According to the Alzheimer's Association, one in 14 people older than 65 has dementia.

Researchers at the University of California-San Francisco reviewed data from 323 previous studies on Alzheimer's, whittling down 93 possible risk factors to just nine. This study was observational, which means cause and effect can't be conclusively linked by this study alone. However, taken with previous research it strongly suggests lifestyle choices over time could reduce the number of new cases.

The nine factors are:

1. Obesity

2. Narrowing of the carotid arteries (two large blood vessels that supply oxygenated blood to the brain), generally due to a buildup of cholesterol and fatty deposits over time

3. Low educational attainment (which has been tied to poorer nutrition and health)

4. Depression

5. High blood pressure

6. Frailty

7. Smoking

8. High levels of homocysteine (an amino acid involved in protein metabolism)

9. Type 2 diabetes (in the Asian population)

Exercise and healthy diet helped most of these conditions. People who drank coffee; took anti-inflammatory medicine, statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs or supplements), folic acid (which may help homocysteine levels), and vitamins C and E; and women who took estrogen also had lower risk.

Other research (from the University of Copenhagen) discussed at the annual Alzheimer's Association International in July revealed that even after the disease is diagnosed, an hour of vigorous exercise three times a week delayed the progress of the disease and improved cognitive function.

Experts say this does not mean genetics do not play a role. As currently understood at the root of Alzheimer's is a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. However, even with family history, reducing risk with what we can control can help prevent or delay its onset.

September is World Alzheimer's Awareness Month.

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at Sholeh@cdapress.com.