All articles tagged with #dementia risk
A study of 793 adults found higher vitamin D levels in midlife (around age 39) were associated with fewer tau protein tangles in brain scans about 16 years later; there was no link with amyloid-beta. The results show association, not causation, and researchers say clinical trials are needed to determine if vitamin D supplementation could help reduce dementia risk.
Gardening may benefit brain health in older adults by combining physical exercise, mental engagement, and stress reduction; while not a guaranteed dementia preventer, it aligns with other risk-reduction strategies such as managing cardiometabolic health, lifelong learning, social connection, about 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly, a brain-healthy diet (Mediterranean or DASH), and addressing hearing loss.
A large study of nearly 28 million Medicare beneficiaries (2000–2018) finds that higher long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, with stronger effects in people who had a stroke. While pollution is not the sole cause of Alzheimer’s, the findings support air-quality interventions and suggest indoor air improvements, such as HEPA-filter purifiers, alongside lifestyle measures like regular exercise, cognitive engagement, and social activity to help reduce risk.
An eight-year study of 12,772 adults (mean age ~52) found that higher consumption of several low- and no-calorie sweeteners (except tagatose) is linked to faster cognitive decline, especially among those under 60 and people with diabetes. The results show correlation, not causation, and health authorities say approved sweeteners remain safe while further research is needed.
A Medicare study of about 1.9 million older adults (2016–2022) found cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA)—amyloid buildup in brain vessels—nearly quadruples five‑year dementia risk, with or without prior stroke. CAA alone raised dementia risk to ~4.3× and stroke alone to ~2.4×; having both CAA and stroke increased risk to ~4.5×. The results imply non-stroke mechanisms drive cognitive decline in CAA and underscore the need for early cognitive screening after diagnosis. Limitations include reliance on claims data and lack of imaging, with findings reported as an ASA conference abstract rather than a peer‑reviewed study.
A study from Wake Forest University found that living in disadvantaged neighborhoods with higher social and environmental burdens is associated with biological changes in the brain that increase dementia risk, especially among Black populations, highlighting the impact of social inequities on brain health.
A recent study suggests that daily calcium supplements do not increase the risk of dementia in women aged 70 and older, supporting their safety for bone health without added cognitive risk, though further research is needed to confirm these findings across diverse groups.
A new study suggests a link between obesity and Alzheimer's disease, highlighting how fat cell-derived vesicles may promote plaque formation in the brain, though causation is not yet established. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, and engaging the brain are recommended to reduce dementia risk.
Consuming half a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil with warm water daily may improve memory and reduce the risk of dementia, thanks to its healthy fats and polyphenols that support brain health and reduce oxidative stress. Regular intake, especially on an empty stomach, can be beneficial, but individuals should consider personal health conditions and consult a doctor if on blood thinners.
Research from Pennsylvania State University shows that significant year-to-year weight fluctuations in people over 65 are linked to faster cognitive decline, emphasizing the importance of regular weight monitoring in older adults to potentially mitigate dementia risk.
German researchers have identified early olfactory dysfunction as a symptom of Alzheimer's disease, caused by microglia mistakenly destroying nerve connections from the locus coeruleus to the olfactory bulb, which occurs before memory loss and can aid early diagnosis. The study highlights the importance of smell loss as a clinical marker and emphasizes managing modifiable risk factors to reduce dementia prevalence.
Research shows that adopting a Mediterranean-style diet combined with moderate exercise and support can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and dementia, especially in high-risk populations, highlighting the importance of simple, sustained lifestyle changes for healthy aging.
A 34-year study found that following a Mediterranean diet can reduce dementia risk by at least 35% in individuals with two copies of the APOE4 gene, a major Alzheimer's risk factor, with diet and lifestyle changes showing significant protective effects.
A long-term study published in Nature found that the Mediterranean diet can reduce dementia risk by at least 35%, especially in individuals with the APOE4 gene linked to Alzheimer's disease, emphasizing the diet's potential protective effects.
A recent study published in Neurology found that cycling workouts can reduce dementia risk by 88%, with highly fit women delaying dementia onset by 9.5 years. The study emphasizes the benefits of aerobic exercise for brain health, suggesting that regular cycling, whether indoors or outdoors, can be a simple lifestyle change to lower dementia risk, especially for women.