Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) is the most common form of dementia and affects around 20% of people over the age of 65 in Slovenia. The prevalence of AD is expected to double by 2050.
A new approach to reduce risk
Preventive strategies to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are a relatively new approach that is only beginning to gain recognition in neurology. It has long been believed that the risk of AD cannot be influenced. However, a growing body of research suggests that there are certain risk factors that can be influenced to reduce the likelihood of developing the disease.
Dementia is a multifactorial and complex disease in which different risk factors have different effects at different stages of life. This review article therefore analyses in detail the risk factors according to the age periods in which they contribute most to an increased risk of developing dementia.
People over 55 who smoke have twice the risk of developing AD in the next 2 years.
Different factors can be important at different ages
In young adulthood, the most important factor we can influence is education level, which is inversely related to the risk of dementia. A higher level of education means a greater cognitive reserve, which is an important protective factor in cognitive decline with age.
In mid-life (40-65 years), the increased risk is associated with vascular and metabolic risk factors. Scientific evidence suggests that vascular impairment accelerates the onset of neurological impairment that is characteristic of dementia. These risk factors include raised blood pressure, hypercholesterolaemia, obesity, diabetes, smoking and atherosclerosis. People over 55 years of age who smoke or have diabetes have twice the risk of developing AD in the next 2 years as healthy non-smokers.
A Mediterranean diet, a positive attitude towards food and the social aspect of meals are protective factors against dementia.
Holistic eating habits are more important than individual food items
Modern nutritional science increasingly emphasises the importance of holistic dietary habits over individual food items in the long term. Among the dietary patterns that have been shown to be particularly beneficial in the prevention of dementia, the Mediterranean diet stands out, often considered one of the most effective in promoting long-term health due to its balance and numerous benefits. In addition to balanced nutritional elements, the Mediterranean diet is also closely linked to a positive attitude towards food and to emphasising the social aspect of meals, which is also seen as a protective factor against dementia, especially in old age.
Physical activity is important throughout life
In older age, it is crucial to avoid social isolation and depression, as these are important factors in maintaining cognitive health. Equally important is regular physical activity throughout life, which has been shown to have a protective effect in old age. Studies show that regular exercise can effectively reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in individuals with mild cognitive impairment in old age, underlining its important impact on the long-term preservation of brain function.
Regular physical activity is a protective factor that has an impact throughout life.
Different factors can be important at different ages
The key is to identify the appropriate interventions for each individual to individually influence their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. While these strategies are useful for all, they are even more important for those with a higher genetic predisposition.
As genetic risk varies between individuals, it is important to identify personal genetic predisposition. Based on these findings, protective lifestyle strategies can be put in place that are even more important in maintaining cognitive health in individuals at higher risk.
