A team of scientists from the National Institute of Aging (NIA) in Maryland has identified five lifestyle choices that could cut a person’s risk of Alzheimer’s by as much as 60%. The researchers followed more than 3,000 people over the course of six years. According to Yahoo!, the results suggest those who stuck to four or five of the healthy lifestyle factors were 60% less likely to develop the memory-robbing disease.

This observational study provides more evidence on how a combination of modifiable behaviors may mitigate Alzheimer’s disease risk. The findings strengthen the association between healthy behaviors and lower risk, and add to the basis for controlled clinical trials to directly test the ability of interventions to slow or prevent development of Alzheimer’s disease.”
Dr. Richard Hodes, Director of the NIA

Participants in the NIA study were scored according to five lifestyle factors:

Exercise: Well-scoring participants were moderately or vigorously active for at least 150 minutes a week
Smoking status
Alcohol consumption
Diet: Well-scoring participants followed a high-quality, Mediterranean eating plan that centred around plant-based foods low in saturated fat and salt
“Late-life cognitive activities”: Engaging in pastimes like jigsaw puzzles or crosswords

The participants’ scores were then compared against any Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Compared to the participants who adopted none or just one of the healthy lifestyle choices, those who followed two or three were 37% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s. The risk went down by 60% in those who adopted four or five.

This population-based study helps paint the picture of how multiple factors are likely playing parts in Alzheimer’s disease risk. It’s not a clear cause and effect result, but a strong finding because of the dual data sets and combination of modifiable lifestyle factors that appear to lead to risk reduction.”
Dr. Dallas Anderson, from the NIA

What is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, the umbrella term for a loss of cognitive function. In the US, 5.8 million live with the disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. It is believed to be brought on by the abnormal build-up of proteins in and around brain cells. Exactly why this occurs is unclear, however, it has been linked to age, a family history of the disease, and head injuries.

Alzheimer’s can have devastating consequences, not only for the individual who suffers from the disease, but for their loved ones, as well. In advanced cases, sufferers may struggle to swallow, lose the ability to speak, and become unable to recognize even their closest friends and family members.

Caregivers at Cotton Grove Estate use a wealth of experience and knowledge in order to respond to residents with Alzheimer’s with the utmost dignity and respect. To see the cutting edge techniques employed by our staff to ease the symptoms of Alzheimer’s some of our residents experience, schedule a private tour today by calling (912) 424-6422.