New clues about Alzheimer’s causes and how to fight them
After many exhausting nights of finding his wife getting dressed or becoming agitated, Abe Rappaport, 83, said he finally gave in to the Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis and moved her into a memory care facility. Now, Rappaport, of Boca Raton, is desperately looking for medical trials or new medication that might stop the disease’s progression in his wife of 56 years.
“I am hoping something new might be out there,” Rappaport said.
Last week, scientists from around the world met in Los Angeles at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference to reveal research that offers new clues into who gets Alzheimer’s and why — and how to prevent or attack it.
Answers can’t come soon enough for Rappaport and the 560,000 Floridians living with the disease, or the 14 million Americans projected to have Alzheimer’s by 2050.
Lots of research on brain health and Alzheimer’s is in varying stages, and scientists worldwide are identifying possible risks and solutions as well as diagnosis and treatments. Sixty to 80% of people with dementia have Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of it.
“It will take a collective effort to slow the progression,” said Keith Gibson, director of program services for the Alzheimer’s Association Southeast Florida Chapter. Last week’s conference brought researchers worldwide together and encouraged them to share data.
Research findings revealed last week are beginning to offer clues.
Risks and solutions
Risk: Women may be more likely than men to develop Alzheimer’s disease because it spreads differently in women’s brains.
Solution: Get
ajob.
Don’t drink to excess or smoke.
New research found earning a living staved off memory decline. Women who worked between early adulthood and middle age showed slower rates of memory decline in late life compared with those who did not work for pay.
Studies also found women who were alcoholics significantly increased their risk of dementia later in life, and smoking appears to be associated with cognitive impairment, even at midlife.
Risk: Some people have genetic makeup that puts them at high risk for memory and thinking problems associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Pollution may also be a factor.
Solution: Researchers revealed study results that show exercise, a healthy diet, not smoking and mental stimulation may decrease memory decline and dementia to protect people who have a genetic risk. A study of 2,340 individuals found those who followed at least four healthy lifestyle habits had a 60% lower risk of Alzheimer’s dementia.
Risk: Infectious agents such as the herpes virus, a bacterial infection in the brain or the bacteria that causes chronic progressive degenerative gum disease could contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.
Solution: Give attention to overall good health. Also, drug therapies that target toxic proteins released in the brain by bacterium may slow or halt the progression of Alzheimer’s. An international study of 570 people for a drug that targets these toxic proteins is under way.
Risk: Poor sleep habits in midand late life may increase the risk for developing dementia.
Solution: Avoid regularly taking sleep medications, which in some cases could increase dementia risk. Instead, look for a personalized program to reset bedtime and wake time, combined with physical activity to improve sleep quality.
Risk: Visual or hearing impair