Lifestyle Changes May Not Reduce Alzheimer's Risk

Over the last several weeks, Alzheimer’s has been in the news; one newly published study clearly shows that a mutation of a certain gene is responsible for early onset Alzheimer’s.  Also, there was the announcement that a consortium of drug makers and researchers have decided to combine and share research on 4,000 patients in an effort to expedite progress, with regards to both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s research.

However, those announcements may not be as surprising as the one currently being published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.  According to a panel convened by the National Institutes of Health, there is not enough evidence to support that some of the lifestyle changes we’ve been hearing about could substantially reduce Alzheimer’s risk.

Some studies have seemed to show that keeping the mind active can ward off the disease, while others seem to posit that exercise and certain supplements might be the ticket.   Specifically, in the area of lifestyle changes the three most common suggestions to ward off AD are exercise, keeping mental faculties sharp, and eating a healthy diet rich in omega-3s, fruits and vegetables.

But the problem with these former studies, the NIH believes, is that although there may be an association between Alzheimer’s and certain lifestyle habits, that association doesn’t necessarily prove causality.

Clearly, it boils down to, which came first, the chicken or the egg.   For example, though research seems to support that those who are better educated have a reduced AD risk doesn’t mean the years spent getting that education are what prevents dementia. 

The panel, made up of 15 independent experts, spent three days in April poring over research data provided by Duke University Medical Center and the Durham Veterans Administration Medical Center.   And while the panel is being cautious regarding these lifestyle issues, they do contend that more research is needed in order to make a definitive link with AD.

But, the news isn’t all bad.  If AD were completely taken out of the equation, a healthy diet and an active lifestyle DO improve quality of life, whether we’re talking about brain function or physicality