The very mention of the word Alzheimer’s disease frightens all of us as we attempt successful aging. The National Institute of Aging has published findings related to preventing Alzheimer’s Disease. Their findings — along with many other recent scientific findings — have been useful in helping us better understand what we can do to prevent this dreaded disease, which afflicts nearly half of people who live to be 85 or older. In fact, advanced age is one of the few known causes of Alzheimer’s disease, which presents a very disconcerting prospect for us as we try to increase our longevity through healthy aging. If we are successful in living longer, we can contemplate acquiring Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, it is important to identify known causes of Alzheimer’s, understand the risk factors, and engage in strategies that may prevent the disease. The known causes of Alzheimer’s are:
• Advanced age (it is not understood why aging causes dementia)
• Genetic predisposition involving a gene that codes for a lipoprotein, APOE – 4
• Recurrent sub-clinical (asymptomatic) brain infarcts or strokes (many of which are never know by the patient) Other factors associated with the onset of Alzheimer’s disease include:
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Blood tests with high cholesterol, highest quartile of homocysteine Discerning and informed readers have already figured out that information in the above bullet points include risk factors associated with heart disease and stroke. Many of the risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease also relate to vascular problems including brain infarcts or strokes. Does this mean that heart attacks and vascular problems lead to Alzheimer’s disease? No, many people who have survived heart attacks and strokes do not develop Alzheimer’s disease. However, prevention and treatment for heart attack and stroke can reduce the severity of Alzheimer’s disease. So, what can we do to prevent Alzheimer’s disease? Health, lifestyle and environmental strategies may help prevent the disease. An active, social and intellectually stimulating life has been shown to help. Listening to the radio and thinking about what is being said, reading newspapers, playing puzzle games, and going to museums may help you remain active. Participating in these activities in groups is even better. Aerobic exercise has been proven to improve mental faculties. The bonus for regular exercise is that it also wards off heart disease and some cancers. Controlling diabetes, cholesterol and homocysteine blood values may help reduce the chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease early. Another effective approach is to prevent stroke by controlling blood pressure. A few things are known to be ineffective, including estrogen and some anti-oxidants. Some ideas are still promising, but very experimental, including immunization with a vaccine and estrogen-receptor modulators. Many people will have the opportunity to participate in these clinical trials. The bottom line is that we should try to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. We also should learn about clinical trials designed to prevent this terrible disease of old age.
MUSCHealth.com Online Health Libarary Related Links:
Alzheimer's Disease Other Online Resources:
Alzheimer's Disease Overview- National Institute of Aging
MUSC Center for Aging
Alzheimer’s Association
Alzheimer's Disease Education & Referral Center
The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institute on Aging | 
