Lifestyle and Alzheimer's Disease

A new study suggests that those who are unmarried or not living with a partner in midlife could have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, according to research reported at the 2008 Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD 2008), in Chicago. Additional research on Alzheimer risk factors presented at ICAD 2008 indicates that people who ruminate, or repeatedly think about their problems, may be less likely to develop the disease, while people with metabolic syndrome (a combination of cardiovascular health related symptoms) are at higher risk. Finally, a large meta-analysis of nine European risk factor surveys confirmed a well recognized group of Alzheimer risk factors, including memory complaint, severe head trauma, diabetes, stroke and low education. "We may not be able to do anything about aging, genetics or family history, but research shows us that there are lifestyle decisions we all can make to keep our brains healthier as we age, and that also may lower our risk of developing Alzheimer's disease," said William Thies, PhD, vice president of Medical and Scientific Relations for the Alzheimer's Association.