Of course to prevent diabetes itself

Then if it happen to occur the control should be our goal. 

7 ways to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease

What can we do to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and how can we ensure that it is detected and monitored earlier?

It is estimated that 46.8 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer’s disease in 2015, which is a considerable increase from 35.6 million in 2010. Alzheimer’s Disease International expects this number to double every 20 years so it is really important that ways to reduce risk in the population are actively pursued.

The scientific understanding of dementia has only recently shifted from that of a late-life disease to that of a lifelong process which is affected by factors throughout life.

A recent analysis found that as much as half of risk for Alzheimer's disease is due to potentially modifiable factors (Barnes & Yaffe 2011). The effect of these factors can be considerably reduced, either by making changes in lifestyle, or by making sure that disorders such as depression and diabetes do not go undetected and untreated.

That dementia is, in part, preventable is an important public health message (Barnett et al. 2013). Here we review the seven key modifiable risk factors which can help prevent Alzheimer's throughout life.

1. Detect and treat depression

While we don’t yet know how to prevent depression, we do know that many people with depression do not get adequate treatment, and that untreated depression can significantly increase risk for Alzheimer’s disease.The links between depression and dementia are complex. Many cognitive functions such as attention, memory and planning can be affected in depression (Porter et al. 2003), and in older patients, it can be unclear whether a cognitive problem is a symptom of depression, dementia, or both. It is thought  that untreated depression can significantly increase risk for Alzheimer’s disease – for example the MIRAGE study found a significant association between depression and Alzheimer’s disease (Green et al. 2003).  

2. Increase exercise/physical activity

We all know that exercise and physical activity supports a healthy heart and increasingly it is recognised as crucial too for healthy brain function, including cognitive function, throughout life. There is also emerging evidence that exercise can improve cognition in people who already have cognitive impairment. For example, exercise has been reported to improve mild cognitive impairment (Barnes 2015), and in 2011 CANTAB was used to show that non-aerobic movement over 6 weeks produced significant improvement in sustained attention and visual memory in AD (Yágüez et al. 2010). Following this (Farina et al. 2014) found using CANTAB that physical activity can have a positive effect on cognitive decline in AD.

3. Detect and treat high blood pressure

Raised blood pressure or hypertension is a huge risk factor for stroke and cerebrovascular disease. Its role as a pre-cursor to other neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s, is sometimes overlooked despite there being clear links between hypertension and impaired cognitive function (Duron & Hanon 2008; Louis et al. 1999; Kilander et al. 1998).

4. Eat healthily

As with physical activity, what’s good for the heart is good for the head: so it probably comes as no surprise that being very overweight increases risk for Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  But it is perhaps more surprising that the specific types of food we eat can affect our risk of Alzheimer’s disease, particularly the Mediterranean diet – a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes and cereals and low in meat, sugar and saturated fat which is thought to considerably reduce risk (Sofi et al. 2010; Scarmeas et al. 2009).

5. Keep learning

Research has shown that those with fewer years of formal education are at higher risk for Alzheimer’s and other dementias than those with more years of formal education. (Sando et al. 2008; Stern n.d.) Scientists believe that having more years of education helps to create a “cognitive reserve” that enables patients to better compensate for changes in the brain resulting from Alzheimer’s or other neurological diseases, essentially masking the symptoms for longer than in people with less education.

6. Quit the habit

It’s well known that smoking is bad for your health, but perhaps less well known that it is associated with risk for Alzheimer’s. And a meta-analysis of 19 studies of people with dementia followed for at least one year showed that those who smoked at baseline showed greater cognitive decline at follow up. (Anstey et al. 2007).

7. Detect and treat diabetes

Diabetes, and its treatments, can impact the brain and cognitive function, making it another risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies showed that people with diabetes are at higher risk of Alzheimer’s (Lu et al. 2009). If drugs were available to improve cognitive deficits, could this slow decline?

Download our white paper on cognition and diabetes.

So what next?

Whilst these are not a complete or final list of the many risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease, they are reasonable places to start in adjusting lifestyles to lower risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Clearly, further studies are still needed to understand how these and other lifestyle factors affect risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and how reduction in these risk factors among those who already have some impairment might lower the conversion rates to Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

We believe that a key factor in preventing the onset, or worsening, of Alzheimer’s and other dementias is the ability to accurately monitor memory and other cognitive functions throughout later life. CANTAB Mobile is a simple to use medical app available to GPs to objectively assess memory in older adults who are worried about their risk for dementia. While no cures are yet available, there are a number of reasons why detecting mild cognitive impairment early may be useful to patients and families – including helping them to put plans in place for the future.

Six reasons to detect mild cognitive impairment early.

Barnett et al. 2013 sum up how to prevent dementia throughout life in the graphic below:

References

Anstey, K.J. et al., 2007. Smoking as a risk factor for dementia and cognitive decline: a meta-analysis of prospective studies. American journal of epidemiology, 166(4), pp.367–378.

Barnes, D.E. & Yaffe, K., 2011. The projected effect of risk factor reduction on Alzheimer’s disease prevalence. Lancet neurology. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21775213.

Barnes, J.N., 2015. Exercise, cognitive function, and aging. Advances in physiology education, 39(2), pp.55–62. Available at: http://advan.physiology.org/content/39/2/55.abstract [Accessed September 7, 2015].

Barnett, J.H., Hachinski, V. & Blackwell, A.D., 2013. Cognitive health begins at conception: addressing dementia as a lifelong and preventable condition. BMC medicine, 11, p.246. Available at: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=3832877&tool=pmcentrez&rendertype=abstract.

Duron, E. & Hanon, O., 2008. Hypertension, cognitive decline and dementia. Arch Cardiovasc Dis, 101(3), pp.181–189. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=18477946.

Farina, N., Rusted, J. & Tabet, N., 2014. The effect of exercise interventions on cognitive outcome in Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review. International psychogeriatrics / IPA, 26(1), pp.9–18. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23962667.

Gillette-Guyonnet, S., Secher, M. & Vellas, B., 2013. Nutrition and neurodegeneration: epidemiological evidence and challenges for future research. British journal of clinical pharmacology, 75(3), pp.738–55. Available at: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=3575940&tool=pmcentrez&rendertype=abstract.

Green, R.C. et al., 2003. Depression as a risk factor for Alzheimer disease: the MIRAGE Study. Archives of neurology, 60(5), pp.753–9. Available at: http://archneur.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=784148 [Accessed October 8, 2015].

Kilander, L. et al., 1998. Hypertension Is Related to Cognitive Impairment : A 20-Year Follow-up of 999 Men. Hypertension, 31(3), pp.780–786. Available at: http://hyper.ahajournals.org/content/31/3/780.abstract [Accessed October 8, 2015].

Louis, W.J. et al., 1999. Use of neuropsychological tests (CANTAB) to assess cognitive effects of antihypertensive drugs in the elderly. Journal of Hypertension, 17, pp.1813–1819.

Lu, F.-P., Lin, K.-P. & Kuo, H.-K., 2009. Diabetes and the risk of multi-system aging phenotypes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PloS one, 4(1), p.e4144. Available at: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2607544&tool=pmcentrez&rendertype=abstract.

Porter, R.J. et al., 2003. Neurocognitive impairment in drug-free patients with major depressive disorder. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 182, pp.214–220. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12611784.

Sando, S.B. et al., 2008. Risk-reducing effect of education in Alzheimer’s disease. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 23(11), pp.1156–1162. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18484674 [Accessed October 8, 2015].

Scarmeas, N. et al., 2009. Physical activity, diet, and risk of Alzheimer disease. JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association, 302(6), pp.627–637. Available at: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2765045&tool=pmcentrez&rendertype=abstract.

Sofi, F. et al., 2010. Accruing evidence about benefits of adherence to the Mediterranean diet on health: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 92(5), pp.1189–1196. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20810976.

Stern, Y., Cognitive reserve and Alzheimer disease. Alzheimer disease and associated disorders, 20(2), pp.112–117.

Yágüez, L. et al., 2010. The effects on cognitive functions of a movement-based intervention in patients with Alzheimer’s type dementia: a pilot study. International journal of geriatric psychiatry, (2003). Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20878665.

Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention

Risk factors

 Diet

 Mental activity

 Socializing

 Exercise

 Stop smoking

 Homocysteine

 Takeaway

Alzheimer’s disease prevention

Highlights

Scientists haven’t yet discovered a way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

You can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease by making a variety of lifestyle changes.

Staying mentally and physically fit, eating a healthy diet, and keeping an active social life could all help lower your risk.

There is no known way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Many agencies and people are involved in research on ways to slow, delay, or prevent AD, including:

researchers

pharmaceutical companies

foundations

nonprofit organizations

Researchers are looking into a variety of Alzheimer’s treatments they think may help, including:

cognitive training

antioxidants (e.g., vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene)

omega-3 fatty acids

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) supplementation

hormones, type 2 diabetes treatments (insulin seems to play a role in AD)

exercise

cardiovascular treatments

RISK FACTORS

Lowering your risk

There are a number of steps you can take now that may lower your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Consult your doctor before making any major lifestyle changes.

DIET

Maintain a healthy diet

Some evidence suggests a Mediterranean diet may decrease your risk of developing AD. This diet includes little red meat and emphasizes:

whole grains

fruits and vegetables

fish and shellfish

nuts

olive oil

other healthy fats

Other studies suggest that antioxidants may affect age-related changes in the brain. Berries have been shown to improve cognitive function in rats and mice, both in animals who are aging normally and in those who have developed AD. Types of berries that may help include:

blueberries

strawberries

cranberries

Another study examined curcumin, the main ingredient of turmeric, the yellowish spice used in curry. It’s a powerful antioxidant. Curcumin has been shown to suppress the build-up of harmful amyloid plaques in the brains of rodents.

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MENTAL ACTIVITY

Keep up your mental exercise

An active brain may reduce your AD risk. Activities that help keep the brain active include:

listening to the radio

reading newspapers

playing puzzle games

visiting museums

Engaging in mental exercises seems to create or contribute to your “cognitive reserve.” In other words, you develop additional neurons and pathways in your brain. Why is this important? 

Normally, your brain has one road to transport information from point A to point B. If there’s a roadblock or a dead end, the information won’t make it. People who develop new ways of thinking through mental exercises create multiple and alternative routes in their brains. This makes it easier and faster for vital information to travel. 

To exercise your brain, try the following activities:

Do crossword puzzles.

Take up bridge.

Learn a new language.

SOCIALIZING

Increase your social engagement

Compelling research suggests seniors who spend most of their time in their immediate home environment are almost twice as likely to develop AD compared to those who travel more. These findings, however, may also reflect the general health of the individuals.

The Mayo Clinic advises that being engaged with your surroundings is good for your mental, physical, and emotional health.

EXERCISE

Aerobic exercise daily

When older adults with AD engage in aerobic exercise, it improves their psychological and behavioral symptoms.

According to the Mayo Clinic, there’s evidence suggesting that 30 minutes of exercise per day is crucial to preventing Alzheimer’s disease. One eight-year study examined the connection between mental function and physical activity in 6,000 women age 65 and older. It discovered that more active women were less likely to have a decline in mental functions than less active women.

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STOP SMOKING

Stop smoking

Smoking may increase your risk for AD and dementia. Former smokers or those who smoked less than half a pack per day do not appear to have an increased risk. If you still smoke, now is the time to quit. Talk with your doctor about methods that could work for you.

HOMOCYSTEINE

Lowering homocysteine

Homocysteine is an amino acid that’s a building block of protein. It naturally circulates in the blood. Recent studies indicate that higher than average blood levels of homocysteine is a risk factor for:

AD

vascular dementia

cognitive impairment

Foods high in folate (folic acid) and other B vitamins (such as B-6 and B-12) have been shown to lower homocysteine levels. Whether or not increasing these B vitamins in one’s diet might offer a protective effect for AD is yet unknown.

Some good food sources of folate include:

romaine lettuce

spinach

asparagus

broccoli

collard greens

parsley

cauliflower

beets

lentils 

Food sources of B-6 and B-12 include:

fish

red meat

potatoes

noncitrus fruit

fortified cereal

poultry

eggs 

TAKEAWAY

The takeaway

Researchers don’t yet know how to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. There are a number of things you can do to lower your risk of developing the disease. Staying mentally and physically fit, eating a healthy diet, and keeping an active social life are all thought to help lower your risk of cognitive decline, including AD. Fortunately, these are all good ways to stay healthy in general. Be sure to talk with your doctor about any new lifestyle changes that you plan.

Article resourcesFEEDBACK:

Medically Reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, CRNP on September 9, 2016 — Written by Wendy Leonard, MPH

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9 Ways To Control Your Risk Of Alzheimer's

ByTHE EDITORS OF PREVENTIONMAY 16, 2016

LIGHTSPRING/SHUTTERSTOCK

From your genes to your gym habits, there are countless risk factors for Alzheimer's, most of which even the experts don't understand all that well. The devastating disease—and our chances of getting it—is scary for most of us, but somewhat comforting is the fact that some 20 risk factors have been identified as modifiable, meaning you've got at least a little power over dementia. 

As a country, we spend a lot of time, energy, and money on understanding Alzheimer's and treating it, but relatively little on preventing it to begin with, says Jin-Tai Yu, MD, PhD, of the University of California–San Francisco's Memory and Aging Center and department of neurology. Which is why a number of studies recently have tried to estimate the enormous impact prevention efforts could have. In the latest report to examine these modifiable risk factors, Yu and colleagues identified nine things that contribute to about 66% of Alzheimer's cases around the globe. With data from more than 323 previous papers reporting on more than 5,000 people, theirs is a pretty powerful argument in favor of taking steps to reduce our risk of the disease.

Because of the observational nature of these types of studies (no one is examining education levels by sending a group of people to college and not letting another group go, then comparing how many in each group develop dementia, for example), we can't definitively say that changing your routine is a brain-health guarantee, says Demetrius Maraganore, MD, medical director of the NorthShore Neurological Institute and chair of the neurology department at NorthShore University HealthSystem in Chicago. But while we wait for future research on the nitty-gritty details, at least it's pretty certain that making a few healthy changes won't hurt, he says.

What's likely most powerful, says Heather Snyder, PhD, director of medical and scientific operations at the Alzheimer's Association, is making a handful of these changes, rather than just one. "Eating a balanced dietalone probably isn't going to reduce your cognitive decline risk later in life," she says. "A combination of all these different brain-healthy lifestyle choices will keep you as healthy as you can be." (Discover the 5 best foods for your brain and other cutting-edge natural tips in Prevention’s Ageless Brain.)

So where should you start? Here are the 9 modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer's that Yu's study identified, plus what you can do to help yourself stay healthy.

1/9 DENNIS VAN DE WATER/SHUTTERSTOCK

Obesity, particularly at midlife

Why it ups your risk: We know we don't have to convince you that obesity's bad news for your overall health. When it comes to memory protection, Maraganore says, being overweight might be a sign your diet's higher in sugar and processed foods than something like a brain-friendly Mediterranean diet, which can reduce Alzheimer's risk by up to 50%. Maybe obesity is a sign of a sedentary lifestyle, considering people well into their 70s can still experience growth in memory areas of the brain if they start working out, he says. It's also possible there's something independently damaging about obesity that researchers haven't pinpointed yet, he says.

What to do about it: Get yourself to a healthy weight and stay there, plain and simple (easier said than done, we know). While being underweight won't do you any favors (more on that below), there's simply no reason you shouldn't aim for "normal" at any age, Maraganore says.

2/9 GAJUS/SHUTTERSTOCK

Frailty

Why it ups your risk: On the other end of the spectrum, it's not helpful to be undernourished, either, although researchers don't totally understand why. It's possible that Alzheimer's and frailty stem from a common cause; frailty may be a physical symptom of Alzheimer's that appears before memory problems are noticeable. 

What to do about it: If that's the case, Maraganore says, avoiding frailty isn't as simple as eating healthfully or getting enough exercise (although if you're not doing those things, hop to it). If a person is growing more frail because he or she is forgetting to eat or is unable to take good care of themselves, dementia may have already progressed to a certain extent. But frailty might also be a sign other confounding factors are present, he says: Maybe a person is struggling with finances or not receiving strong social support and therefore unable to eat well. 

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3/9 ALEXEY KAMENSKIY/SHUTTERSTOCK

Carotid artery disease

Why it ups your risk: When plaque builds up inside the carotid arteries, which run along the sides of your neck, blood has a harder time reaching your brain. Restricted blood flow is pretty obviously problematic anywhere in the body, but in the carotid arteries it can mean damage and death to crucial brain cells.

What to do about it: In serious cases, a doctor may need to perform a medical procedure to open blocked carotid arteries. For others, anti-clotting meds might help clear blockages and prevent strokes. But many people can control carotid artery disease with the classic arsenal of healthy habits: eating nutritiously, keeping cholesterol and blood pressure in check, hitting the gym, and quitting smoking.

4/9 DAVID ORCEA/SHUTTERSTOCK

High blood pressure

Why it ups your risk: Like carotid artery disease, high blood pressure can damage blood vessels that in turn affect the flow of blood to the brain.

What to do about it: Get your BP in check, Maraganore says. About 70 million Americans have hypertension, but only about half of those folks get their high blood pressure under control. The standard advice is to aim to lower high blood pressure to under 140/90. The National Institutes of Health is currently studying whether getting your blood pressure even lower might significantly improve brain health. (Here are 13 power foods that lower blood pressure naturally.)

5/9 GST/SHUTTERSTOCK

Lower levels of education

Why it ups your risk: "The brain is like a muscle," Maraganore says. "If you don't use it, you lose it." But unlike your abs, which you can tighten back up when you start to feel them slipping, if you do start to lose some brainpower, you might never get it back. Learning forges new connections in our brains, he says. Gaining new knowledge forces the brain to maintain those connections. "If you're not using your brain, you're more vulnerable to processes that almost invariably occur with brain aging."

What to do about it: Education is the modifiable factor that accounts for the most control we have over Alzheimer's worldwide, Maraganore says. (In the US alone, where we tend to reach a higher level of education in general than people in many developing countries, it's exercise.) And of course, the more education you get, the lower your Alzheimer's risk. Few of us can drop everything and go back to grad school, but there are lower-commitment ways to keep learning, like taking a dance class, teaching yourself guitar, or finally picking up a new language. (Try these 7 brain games to make you smarter.)

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Depression

Why it ups your risk: While a number of studies have linked depression to an increased risk of dementia, it's not entirely clear what's happening in the depressed brain to raise the risk, Maraganore says. It could be that the withdrawal and social isolation sometimes seen with depression results in the brain not being challenged enough, he says. Or maybe changes in the brain that are linked to Alzheimer's are actually causing depression symptoms, Snyder says.

What to do about it: It's all about managing symptoms, Snyder says, whether that means therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of some or all of those techniques. The goal, she says, is to enable a person with depression to stay socially and physically active. If you're hesitant to speak up about emotional or mental health concerns, consider it an important step within the larger context of keeping your entire brain healthy, she says.

7/9 LISOVSKAYA NATALIA/SHUTTERSTOCK

High levels of homocysteine

Why it ups your risk: Homocysteine is an amino acid made during the process of breaking down protein. In high levels, usually found among people who eat a lot of red meat, it seems to be linked to inflammation, which may in turn make you more vulnerable to cognitive decline, Snyder says.

What to do about it: Adopt the occasional meatless Monday, or even consider skipping meat more than once a week. Eating more leafy greens, fruits, and whole grains seems to help lower homocysteine levels.

Here's an easy way to make crispy pan-fried tofu for your meatless meal:

How To Pan-Fry Tofu

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8/9 ANDREY POPOV/SHUTTERSTOCK

Diabetes

Why it ups your risk: At the most basic level, diabetes changes blood vessels and blood flow in the body, Snyder says, which in turn would alter blood flow to the brain. But more cutting-edge research suggests that perhaps Alzheimer's results from insulin resistance in brain cells, or so-called type 3 diabetes, which can lead to a toxic protein buildup and brain cell death.

What to do about it: Around 29 million Americans have type 2 diabetes. Of those, just more than a third, 35%, said their condition is "somewhat" controlled and 5% said it's "not at all" controlled in a recent poll from Harris Interactive and HealthDay. Even though the constant surveillance might sound like a drag, avoiding diabetes complications is ultra important—and depends on you working with a doctor to manage the condition, Snyder says.

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Smoking

Why it ups your risk: On top of all the other perils of a smoking habit, tobacco can also hurt your memory: The damage smoking does to blood vessels can lead to the same kind of plaque buildup and blood flow restrictions to the brain as seen in people with heart problems.

What to do about it: If you still haven't kicked the habit, add Alzheimer's to the (long) list of reasons to quit, stat. It's never too late.

https://www.prevention.com/health/how-to-take-control-of-your-alzheimers-risk/slide/9

6 Ways to Decrease Your Risk of Alzheimer's Disease

There are things you can do now.

LYDIA RAMSEY, BUSINESS INSIDER

13 FEB 2017

As we age, our brains might start to get less sharp, making it harder to learn new things or remember key events. And for some, that cognitive decline could be significant, in some rarer cases leading to Alzheimer's disease.

When it comes to Alzheimer's, there are more drug failures than successes. On average about 99 percent of all drugs in clinical trials never actually make it to approval, and drugs are still failing late-stage trials in 2017. But there are other ways to decrease your risk of getting the disease.

We spoke with Neurotrack CEO Elli Kaplan, whose company recently launched an online assessment that helps people understand the state of their memory health, to learn about some of the ways you can potentially decrease your risk for Alzheimer's and cognitive decline more broadly.

The company also provides a program that can be used to prevent some of that cognitive decline.

Here's what the science has to say about the best ways to lower your risk of Alzheimer's and cognitive decline.

1. Pay attention to the food you eat.

The right diet can contribute to lowering your risk of cognitive decline - in particular a diet called the MIND diet, short for "Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay".

It's a hybrid version of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, focusing on the aspects of those diets that have to do with the brain.

Berries, olive oil, nuts, and dark, leafy greens are staples of the diet, which was designed based on large-scale studies of cognitive decline and ranked third on US News and World Report's annual best diet list.

A study of almost 1,000 seniors found that the diet appeared to lower the risk of Alzheimer's by 35 percent for those who followed it moderately and by 53 percent in people who followed it closely.

Plus, it fits in with what Maria Carrillo, chief scientific officer of the Alzheimer's Association told Business Insider in July:

"Have fun, eat healthy meals that are good for you, and you may end up helping your brain as well as your heart."

2. Stay active.

Citing intervention-based trials and epidemiological studies, the US National Institute on Ageing found that exercise can also play a key role in reducing your risk for Alzheimer's and general cognitive decline.

Neurotrack's program recommends strength training and cardiovascular exercises, said Kaplan.

Exercise can have additional health benefits as well, adding to the idea that what's good for your heart and body may also be good for your brain.

3. Decrease your stress levels where possible.

There is evidence to suggest a link between stress and an increased risk of Alzheimer's and cognitive decline.

A small 2009 study found that of the 41 participants with mild cognitive impairment, those who had higher stress ratings also had faster rates of cognitive decline.

The good news is that there are plenty of steps you can take to manage stress, such as breathing exercises, meditation and yoga.

4. Maintain healthy sleep habits.

Too little sleep can do a whole host of things to your body and brain.

A 2014 review of observational studies found that poor sleep is a risk factor for cognitive decline and Alzheimer's.

Though the researcher said there needs to be more research into the exact mechanisms of why that is, they concluded that "healthy sleep appears to play an important role in maintaining brain health with age, and may play a key role in [Alzheimer's disease] prevention".

5. Stay socially active.

That social component is something Neurotrack is working hard to address, said Kaplan. The company has plans to build an internal social network.

Since the assessment launched in December 2016, she said she'd seen thousands join a private Facebook group to chat about their results.

Kaplan said there's even one group in New Zealand that has started meeting up for coffee after they took the assessment.

Staying social can be a great way to lower your risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's.

According to the National Institute on Ageing, staying cognitively active, either with intellectual stimulation or staying socially engaged, is linked with a decreased risk of Alzheimer's.

6. Read, play games, or otherwise stimulate your mind.

Along the lines of social engagement, staying stimulated intellectually has also been associated with a decreased risk of Alzheimer's.

That kind of stimulation can be anything from reading to crossword puzzles or attending lectures and playing memory-based games, according to the National Institute on Ageing.

A small percentage of people with Alzheimer’s disease (less than 1 percent) have an early-onset type associated with genetic mutations. Individuals who have these genetic mutations are guaranteed to develop the disease. An ongoing clinical trial conducted by the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN), is testing whether antibodies to beta-amyloid can reduce the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaque in the brains of people with such genetic mutations and thereby reduce, delay or prevent symptoms. Participants in the trial are receiving antibodies (or placebo) before they develop symptoms, and the development of beta-amyloid plaques is being monitored by brain scans and other tests.

Another clinical trial, known as the A4 trial (Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer’s), is testing whether antibodies to beta-amyloid can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in older people (ages 65 to 85) at high risk for the disease. The A4 trial is being conducted by the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study.

https://www.alz.org/research/science/alzheimers_prevention_and_risk.asp

Thank each of you for such and excellent discussion of Alzheimer's disease (AD). With the epidemic of T2DM both obese in Western Countries and non-obese in India and China we face a great challenge in the coming decades. I am really interested in the association of T2DM and AD and try to learn as much as I can and even with the internet it is still difficult to keep up with the near overwhelming knowledge regrading these two associated disease. It is great that you have taken the time to consider and further taken your time to write and share and post your knowledge.

So thank you again and I really appreciate you answers to the great question set forth in this Question / Answer thread. Certainly many roads led to AD and we need to step out of the Beta amyloid and Tau stories and more closely examine how these two end stage proteins undergo their formation, deposition and accumulation to result in neuronal death. The brain is definitely and end-organ of T2DM and when many of my clinical colleagues tell me about their patient's being non-compliant causes me to think. . . - maybe they are "non-compliant" because they have cognitive impairment due to the combination of so many different risk factors that lead to the formation of AB and Tau plus their brains are constantly remodeling as are the other end-organs due to early on Insulin resistance not only in the brain but systemically and IR effect on the vasculature. Recently, I have come to greatly respect the important role of Aortic Vascular Stiffening and its relation to AD since the aorta is the nexus between the heart, kidneys and importantly, the BRAIN.

Sincerely,

M.R. (Pete) Hayden MD

Dear Dr. Ogail

Good night

I think by controlling diabetes firstly, because almost all complications of diabetes is from high blood glucose, So maintaining the lower level of blood glucose may decrease the risk factor of many complications

I think we need to know how they are associated.

In addition to all mentioned by colleagues, one should continuously read the Holy Quran especially Surah Yassin.