Alzheimer's Prevention & Risk Reduction
Alzheimer’s disease is a complex disorder for which there is currently no known prevention or cure. However, research suggests that lifestyle choices can support healthy brain aging and reduce Alzheimer’s disease risk. Healthy habits, like exercising and eating a nutrient-rich diet, can improve and maintain overall health.
Who Is More at Risk for Alzheimer's?
Age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, however studies show that some people could be at higher risk for Alzheimer's.
Women
Women are disproportionately affected by the disease, comprising approximately two-thirds of Alzheimer’s patients themselves and also serving as the majority of caregivers for people living with the disease.
African Americans & Hispanics
African Americans and Hispanics with certain psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, apathy/indifference, and irritability have a higher risk of developing cognitive impairment, often a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
People With Other Medical Conditions
Other medical conditions, some treatable such as depression, sleep disturbances like apnea, and traumatic brain injury have been shown to influence the risk of cognitive decline.
Nutrition & Lifestyle for Alzheimer's
Some research has generated hope that one day it might be possible to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, delay its symptoms, or even prevent it from occurring at all. Although research supports the benefit of some interventions—such as physical activity and cardiovascular risk reduction—nothing at this time has definitively been shown to prevent Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.
Healthy Lifestyle Actions You Can Take Right Now
- Eat a varied, nutritious, and low-glycemic diet.
- Get regular exercise and maintain a healthy weight.
- Keep your mind active.
- Get enough good quality sleep, as recommended for your age group.
More Ways to Reduce Alzheimer's Risk
Can Non-Drug Interventions Really Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer’s?
Watch this episode of Zoom in on Dementia and Alzheimer’s to learn more about non-drug-related risk reduction options.
Working Together, We Can Stop Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s affects one in nine Americans over 65. Your support helps us fund the most promising research to stop this mind-stealing disease and provide valuable information to the public.
Resources
Recent Resources & Information
Zoom In on Dementia & Alzheimer's
New Technologies for Early Detection of Alzheimer’s
What new technologies for diagnosing cognitive disorders are on the horizon? Join Dr. Michael Weiner, a leading expert in neuroimaging and biomarkers, as he explores advancements in digital and voice assessments, MRI, PET scans, and blood-based tests.
Zoom In on Dementia & Alzheimer's
The Path Forward in Stopping Alzheimer’s Disease
Join our conversation with Dr. Rudolph Tanzi as he explains how stopping Alzheimer’s disease will require a combination of early detection using blood biomarkers, presymptomatic intervention with safe and affordable therapies, and lifestyle modifications.
Zoom In on Dementia & Alzheimer's
Navigating Clinical Trials for Alzheimer’s Disease
Join our conversation with Dr. Jeffrey L. Cummings, renowned expert in dementia drug development and research studies, for insights into the different types, qualification processes, and phases of studies that may be right for you or your loved one.
Expert Information
Environmental Pollution Can Increase Your Alzheimer’s Risk, Say BrightFocus-Funded Scientists
Urban and rural communities alike face potential long-term health consequences from environmental toxins that could lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
Zoom In on Dementia & Alzheimer's
Can Lifestyle Changes Prevent Alzheimer’s? What the Research Reveals
Join us as lead scientist Dr. Miia Kivipelto discusses the science behind lifestyle interventions for reducing Alzheimer’s risk.
Zoom In on Dementia & Alzheimer's
BIO-HERMES-002: Innovative Study to Advance Precise Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
Learn about the Bio-Hermes-002 study exploring blood and digital biomarkers for predicting Alzheimer’s pathology. Discover accessible detection methods and treatment eligibility.
Downloadable Resource
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease affects people’s memories, but it involves far more than simple forgetfulness. Learn more about this devastating disease.
Downloadable Resource
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease: Understanding the Differences
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are not one and the same. Learn about the differences between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Video
Treating Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease: Newly Available Treatments and What They Mean for Patients
This hour-long webinar helps caregivers and patients understand newly approved therapies that treat Alzheimer's itself, not just the symptoms.