Currently, there no drugs available that can cure Alzheimer’s or reverse symptoms. However, a new study has shown that certain non-drug related strategies may improve cognition in individuals suffering from this disease. The key is early intervention.

To study their theory, researchers studied individuals who are currently at risk of developing Alzheimer’s based on the gene, APOE4. The researchers were interested to see if those at risk would benefit from non-drug interventions. Although exercise, diet and social activity have all been studied in the past, the results have not been conclusive in relation to this gene.

Study Finds a Healthy Lifestyle May Protect Those Carrying the APOE4 gene

Approximately 25 percent of the population is born with one copy of the APOE4 gene. An additional 2-3 percent of the population is born with two copies — one from their father and one from their mother. Of those living with two copies, 60 percent will likely be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s by the age of 85.

Conducted by researchers in Finland, individuals with and without APOE4 were examined. These participants were randomly assigned to either a control group or a group who followed an intensive exercise, diet and, brain training program. The control group received general health and medical advice.

Some experts believe those carrying APOE4 are even more likely to develop Alzheimer’s when they do not follow a balanced diet, exercise or socialize. By studying the effects of these lifestyle factors, the researchers could determine whether they influence the progression of this disease. The results were published in JAMA Neurology.

To summarize their findings:

• A total of 1109 at-risk elderly individuals participated in this study.
• These participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio.
• A total of 362 individuals carried the gene (173 were assigned to the intervention group and 189 to the control). An additional 747 were non-carriers (380 intervention and 367 control).
• Cognition was measured using a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery.
• Although the intervention was beneficial, there was little difference between APOE4 carriers and non-carriers.
• It was concluded that key lifestyle changes may benefit cognition in elderly at-risk individuals, even those carrying the APOE4 gene.

Focus on These Nine Modifiable Risk Factors Today

In July 2017, a report was published in Lancet, showing that one-third of dementia cases could be delayed or prevented by avoiding specific risk factors. Some of these risks begin as early as childhood. The researchers narrowed these risk factors down to nine potential variables.

Overall, these risk factors include:

• Low levels of education
• Midlife hearing loss
• Physical inactivity
• High blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Depression
• Social isolation

The researchers stated these factors account for approximately 35 percent of the overall risk of developing dementia. This means that 65 percent is based on factors that cannot be controlled, such as family history and aging. Although targeting these risk factors does not guarantee that one will not develop dementia, early intervention can significantly improve your overall mental and physical wellbeing.

It Is Never Too Late to Make Healthy Changes

This past December, researchers revealed that staying fit can help ward off dementia. More importantly, it is never too late to make healthy lifestyle changes. The researchers found that physical activity helps to stimulate circulation in at-risk brain regions. It was concluded that exercise increases the blood supply to the brain and encourages the growth of brain cells.

It was stated by these researchers that any movement can help — even if the level of physical fitness seems minor. Doing extra chores, tending your garden, or going for a short walk are all great starting points. The key is moving more, to stimulate more of the brain.

Their findings suggest that prior levels of physical activity had no influence on the association between physical fitness and cognitive performance. This means that even if you have not been very active in the past, it is never too late to be more physically active.

Considering the risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke are also risk factors for dementia, it makes sense that anything that is good for your heart is also good for your brain. Starting today, go for a 15-minute walk, increasing the duration by 5 minutes each day.

This will encourage you to become more active — which could also lead to greater social activity. For example, you may begin going to a seniors swim meet each morning. This will allow you to be more physically active while meeting new people.

This paper also found that individuals with dementia can benefit from short walks. After walking just 10 minutes, they were better able to count backwards from 50 and were also more able to name the months of the year in reverse.

For more information, please refer to the following articles:

• Get Your Blood Pumping — Exercise Could Fight Off Alzheimer’s
• Powerful Risk Factors That May Prevent One-Third of Dementia Cases