Reducing prevalence of common risk factors by 25 per cent could prevent 3 million cases of Alzheimer’s disease worldwide, says study

Published 19 July 2011

Decreasing the prevalence of risk factors including smoking and inactivity could prevent 3 million Alzheimer's cases, says research being presented at International Conference of Alzheimer's Disease.

American researchers studied a range of risk factors including low education, depression, mid-life hypertension, mid-life obesity, smoking, physical inactivity and diabetes. They analysed the strength of the association between these factors and Alzheimer's and showed that cutting down these risk factors by 25 per cent could reduce Alzheimer's cases by 3 million worldwide.

In another study, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania looked at 136 older adults with no evidence of memory impairment. They found that people who avoided stress, anxiety, depression and trauma in later life had a significantly reduced risk of dementia.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'This study highlights the scale of the impact of lifestyle factors on our risk of developing Alzheimer's - and brings home how many people could potentially avoid this disease if we tackle them. Everyone knows how important it is to lead a generally healthy lifestyle. But if more of us ate our five fruit and veg a day, regularly cycled, ran or swam, and cut out cigarettes then we could massively reduce the hold Alzheimer's has on us.

'It is also vital that we identify and manage conditions such as depression early on. In just 10 years a million people will be living with dementia. We must act now.'

Dr Anne Corbett

Research Manager

Alzheimer's Society

Research Reference: Barnes et al, 'The projected impact of risk factor reduction on Alzheimer's disease prevalence', and Steinberg at al, 'Predictors of resilient cognitive aging: baseline characteristics', published online in Lancet Neurology, Tuesday, 19 July.

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Notes to editors:

One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051
Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them
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Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk