AAIC 2014: Alzheimer’s Risk Factors in Sharper Relief
A number of factors are standing out as promoters for and protectors against the development of Alzheimer’s disease, according to research presented during the 2014 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) that was held July 12-17 at the Bella Center in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The data sets not only provide a distinct picture of risk for vulnerable populations, but they also break information out into specific demographics. For example, the research indicated that veterans are at increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s if they have sleep problems. This is exacerbated further if they suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The retrospective study, conducted at the University of California, San Francisco, included data concerning 200,000 vets. Eight years of data showed that non-specific sleep disturbance, sleep apnea and insomnia at baseline were associated with 30 percent increased risk of dementia.
PTSD further increased the risk of dementia to 80 percent.Surprisingly, for patients older than 90, high blood pressure may have a protective effect against developing dementia. This is in stark contrast to what is generally thought about hypertension and dementia risk. The University of California, Irvine, research assessed the link between risk of dementia, onset of hypertension and blood pressure parameters for 625 patients in the latest stage of life for as long as 10 years at intervals of six months. Hypertension led to significantly lower risk of dementia compared to normal levels. The results held steady even for those on blood pressure medications.
“Determining more specifically the factors that raise and lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is an essential component in our battle against the Alzheimer’s epidemic,” says Heather Snyder, PhD, director of medical and scientific operations for the Alzheimer’s Association in an official statement.
In other data, growing evidence has proven that regular physical activity and mental engagement protect against dementia in the later stages of life and may even improve brain volumes. The specific mechanisms behind these safeguards are still unknown. This research was conducted at the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute and Disease Research Center. A total of 329 cognitively normal middle-aged adults underwent MR imaging and cognitive tests. Of these subjects, 74 percent had Alzheimer’s in their family history and 40 percent of participants tested positive for APOe4.
For the data on physical activity, a Mayo Clinic study reviewed 1,830 cognitively normal patients and assessed the link between exercise and risk of developing MCI. This research resulted in reduced risk of developing MCI for light, moderate and vigorous exercise in middle age as well as those who are older.
In a separate study, Mayo researchers evaluated time of exercise and risk of new Alzheimer’s diagnosis for 280 older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Results showed that moderate exercise in middle age had the most impact in reducing progression to dementia. However, the link was not significant for light or vigorous exercise in middle age and no category of exercise made a strong impact in protecting patients with MCI from progressing to dementia later than middle age. These findings bring important detail to our understanding of Alzheimer’s risk.