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A large analysis published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry identified ten risk factors that appear to have a significant effect on risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, and many of these factors can be modified with lifestyle changes. The international team of researchers looked at results from 395 studies to draw its conclusions. Diabetes, high homocysteine levels, high body mass in late life, lower levels of education, hypertension in midlife, dizziness upon standing (orthostatic hypotension), head trauma, low cognitive activity, and high stress and depression were all significantly associated with development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Although we cannot eliminate risk altogether, it is heartening to know that staying mentally (and physically) active and protecting cardiometabolic health can lower our risk for Alzheimer’s disease.