Potential Alzheimer's disease risk factor and risk reduction strategies become clearer

Could the apparent protective effects of high blood pressure for the very old be the selection effect? Maybe those who live to be so old while having high blood pressure have protective factors? The hypothesis raised by the researchers is also a reasonable possibility.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-07/aa-pad071114.php

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE: 14-Jul-2014
Contact: Alzheimer's Association Media Line
Alzheimer's Association
Potential Alzheimer's disease risk factor and risk reduction strategies become clearer

New data on possible protective behaviors and dementia risk factors emerges at Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2014

COPENHAGEN – Participation in activities that promote mental activity, and moderate physical activity in middle age, may help protect against the development of Alzheimer's disease and dementia in later life, according to new research reported today at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference® 2014 (AAIC® 2014) in Copenhagen.

Research reported at AAIC 2014 also showed that sleep problems – especially when combined with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – may increase dementia risk in veterans. Additionally, in a population of people age 90 and older, high blood pressure was seen to help protect against cognitive decline. This is counter intuitive as heart health risk factors, including hypertension, are generally considered to elevate risk of Alzheimer's and other dementias.

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Prior studies have suggested that participation in activities that stimulate thought, new ideas, new memories, and that challenge us mentally may encourage brain health as we age and possibly reduce risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.

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"Our findings suggest that, for some individuals, engagement in cognitively stimulating activities, especially those involving games such as puzzles and cards, might be a useful approach for preserving brain structures and cognitive functions that are vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease," said Schultz.

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Of the growing body of research concerning lifestyle and brain health, and also the possibility of reduced risk of Alzheimer's and other dementias, perhaps the strongest and most consistent evidence exists for regular physical activity.

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"In our study, high blood pressure is not a risk factor for dementia in the oldest old, but just the opposite," said Corrada. "Developing hypertension at older ages may be beneficial for maintaining intact cognition through mechanisms related to cerebral perfusion or to vascular or other pathologies. It is important to understand these mechanisms, because recommendations for healthy blood pressure in the oldest old may turn out to differ from those in younger people."