Alzheimer’s disease still has no cure.
But research has shown that lifestyle factors such as nutrition and the amount of sleep, exercise, and the social interactions one engages in can affect life expectancy and possibly increase the proportion of years lived without Alzheimer’s dementia.
You want to know more ?
The latest research on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia will be detailed during “Brain Aware: Research on Reducing Dementia Risk”, a webinar sponsored by the Alzheimer Association from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on June 8.
“A recent study indicated that lifestyle factors are not only associated with increased life expectancy, but also with a greater proportion of years lived without Alzheimer’s dementia,” said Claire Sexton, senior director science and outreach programs and speaker for the event. Release. said Sexton. “In other words, lifestyle factors can not only help you live longer, but also live well in those years.”
The event is free and open to the public, but prior registration is required at alz.org/R10brainhealth to receive the Zoom link to participate.
Some of the research that will be discussed includes lifestyle factors such as cardiovascular health, physical activity levels, social and cognitive activity, diet, and sleep. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions.
Jennifer Lepard, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter, said the webinar is intended for a general audience of anyone looking to reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
“It’s part of our mission at the Alzheimer’s Association to accelerate global research and drive risk reduction,” she said. “By sharing this information about the latest research on concrete steps the public can take to prevent and reduce the impact of Alzheimer’s disease, this event does just that.”
The Alzheimer’s Association is a nonprofit organization that provides a variety of information and resources to help the public navigate pathways to better brain health, from laboratory studies that examine the molecular mechanisms involved in cognitive benefits of exercise, to community studies. One such example of the latter is the US study to protect brain health with lifestyle intervention to reduce risk – known as US POINTER – a 2-year clinical trial to assess whether lifestyle interventions that simultaneously target multiple risk factors can protect cognitive function in older adults (60-79 years) with impaired increased risk of cognitive decline.
“There are no guarantees,” Sexton said. “Age is the most important factor and our genetics also play a role. We know that these lifestyle factors are not a guarantee that a person will or will not develop dementia, but when we look at the level of the population , certain factors are associated with a reduced risk.
Sexton added that it was possible to combine different efforts to reduce risk. For example, individuals should not just think of physical activity without considering healthy eating.
“It’s holistic,” she says. “It’s never too early or too late to start thinking about your risk. Adults of any age can be aware of the risks and can learn about research.
