Alzheimer's prevention: Does it exist? (2024)

FAQs

Could Alzheimer's have been prevented? ›

As the exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is still unknown, there's no certain way to prevent the condition.

Formed in 1980, the Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research.

There's no cure for Alzheimer's, but there are treatments that may change disease progression, and drug and non-drug options that may help treat symptoms. Understanding available options can help individuals living with the disease and their caregivers to cope with symptoms and improve quality of life.

And, while there are a number of therapeutic treatments available to people with the disease, there's currently no cure. Will there ever be? That's the question a number of researchers at Boston University are tackling, and with vastly different approaches.

Increasing age is the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's isn't a part of typical aging. But as you grow older, the chances of developing it increases. One study found that every year there were four new diagnoses per 1,000 people ages 65 to 74.

Controlling high blood pressure is known to reduce a person's risk for heart disease and stroke, and it also might help prevent or delay Alzheimer's. High blood pressure, particularly in midlife, is considered a risk factor for later-life cognitive decline.

The causes probably include a combination of age-related changes in the brain, along with genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. The importance of any one of these factors in increasing or decreasing the risk of developing Alzheimer's may differ from person to person.

Levels of one neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, are particularly low in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. Over time, different areas of the brain shrink.

There's no single or “best” food to fight dementia. Eating patterns that include several anti-inflammatory foods may help to prevent or slow dementia. These include leafy greens, nuts, berries, whole grains, beans, and olive oil.

What are three foods that prevent Alzheimer's? ›

Many foods — blueberries, leafy greens, and curcumin (found in the spice turmeric), to name a few — have been studied for their potential cognitive benefit. These foods have been thought to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, or other properties that might help protect the brain.

Avoid smoking. Control vascular risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Eat a balanced diet — such as the Mediterranean diet — that's rich in vegetables, fruits and lean protein, particularly protein sources containing omega-3 fatty acids.

Their tests have shown that leptin can reduce the effects of two toxic proteins in the brain called amyloid and tau, which build up and lead to memory loss and development of Alzheimer's disease.

Part of the problem comes back to the lack of clarity on the cause of Alzheimer's and the steep costs of developing a single drug. Ballard says it's also a problem that there's less awareness around dementia — and less hope.

There is currently no cure for dementia. In fact, because dementia is caused by different diseases it is unlikely that there will be a single cure for dementia. Research is aimed at finding cures for dementia-causing diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies.

There are currently no known interventions that will cure Alzheimer's.

There are currently no approaches that have been proven to prevent Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. However, as with many other diseases, there may be steps you can take to help reduce your risk.