According to a new study, obesity and physical inactivity are risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease.
While disease ofAlzheimer was first identified in 1907, the causes of this pathology still remain unclear. This is why researchers tend for the moment to speak of risk factors, increasing the probability of developing the pathology.
Nowadays, age is the most important factor, with a very strong incidence following 80 years. A new study published in JAMA Neurology has just pointed out eight modifiable risk factors, that is to say that they can be avoided in order to escape the disease at the end of life. The three most important factors are physical inactivity, low education and obesity.
Modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease
To reach their conclusions, the researchers analyze the medical data of more than 378,000 people aged 18 and over. In detail, they were interested in the level of physical activity, mental health, level of education, weight or even the relationship with cigarettes of this panel. Ultimately, they found that Alzheimer’s disease and dementia were associated with eight modifiable risk factors.
In detail, the three most important midlife factors, around forty, that might increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease were obesity, physical activity and low level of education. These were in particular more common in men.
The authors explain in conclusion of their work that “strategies to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s would surely be more effective if they targeted people at high risk and if they took into account the profile according to the risk factors”. For information, the Alzheimer Research Foundation points out that nearly 40% of cancer cases can be avoided, simply by taking into account the risk factors for the disease. In particular, she recommends monitoring your heart health, having regular physical activity, stimulating your brain, eating healthy, but also sleeping well.
