Study claims spouses of people with dementia at risk too
Published 5 May 2010
Partners of people with dementia are more likely to develop dementia than adults whose spouse does not have the condition according to an article published today (Wednesday, 5 May, 2010).
Researchers at Utah State University studied 2,442 people, of which 30 spouses developed dementia.
Alzheimer's Society comment,
'Two people living the same lifestyle may be exposed to the same risk factors so it could be possible that spouses both develop dementia. However there has been limited research in this area and more is needed to determine which people are the most vulnerable. By keeping a healthy weight, getting regular exercise throughout your life and managing blood pressure and cholesterol from 35 onwards you can reduce your risk of developing dementia by up to 20 per cent.
'A million more people are set to develop dementia in the next 10 years yet dementia research is desperately under-funded. We must invest more if we are to move forward in our understanding and treatment of this devastating condition.'
Professor Clive Ballard
Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society
