Study Shows New Hope in the Fight Against Alzheimer’s Disease

Although it is estimated that over 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and that the number will triple in the coming decades, experts are giving us some reason to hope.  Recently reported results from a large study show that while cases of Alzheimer’s are still increasing at an all-time rate, the increase appears to be slowing.  

The new research suggests “higher levels of education and heart-healthy lifestyle measures may be helping to perhaps prevent, or at least delay, the onset of dementia.”  So as researchers race to find a cure for Alzheimer’s, the study is another indication that people can make specific changes in their lifestyle to help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s. 

Published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the findings are part of the Framingham Heart Study and included 5,200 participants.  One of the study’s authors, Dr. Sudha Seshadri, a professor of neurology at Boston University School of Medicine, says she hopes effective preventive measures will lessen the estimated increase in the number of people affected with the disease in the coming decades. 

This study provides the best evidence to date to suggest better education and improvements in heart health may be staving off dementia.  Researchers studied risk factors such as smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and levels of education and found the biggest declines were in those who took better control of their cardiovascular health.  Vascular dementia had the highest decline but researchers also saw declines in Alzheimer’s; however, they noted many people with Alzheimer’s also have signs of vascular dementia.          

To summarize the study, researchers explain a healthier lifestyle appears to be an important part of Alzheimer’s prevention and includes eating well, challenging the brain, and participating in regular physical activity.  A healthier lifestyle also offers the benefit of increased energy levels and better thinking skills in old age.    

Please visit MorningStar at Bear Creek’s website to learn more about our dedicated and compassionate assisted living for dementia residents.  We consider it an honor to walk alongside the memory-impaired (and their families) on this unexpected journey.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to creating a true home within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best assisted living for dementia residents in Colorado Springs.

Source:alzinfo.org/articles/research/dementia-rates-are-slowing-but-alzheimers-cases-continue-to-rise/