So far, researchers have not been able to single out a specific cause of Alzheimer’s disease, which develops over many years before becoming clinically visible. But they have identified a wide range of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors that could increase Alzheimer’s risk.
Some studies of these risk factors indicate they can be identified well before Alzheimer’s sets in, which could be useful in improving early prevention for patients at risk of the disease.
In fact, a number of these risk factors may be present many years before the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms…
10 common risk factors that manifest up to 15 years before Alzheimer’s onset
Even as scientists discover more about Alzheimer’s, knowledge of its early risk factors and symptoms remains incomplete and based on specific approaches.
That’s why a team of researchers from the Paris Brain Institute’s Aramis project analyzed the anonymized health records of nearly 80,000 patients in France and the United Kingdom, roughly half of whom had Alzheimer’s disease.
They used the data to determine whether certain conditions developed more frequently among patients reporting Alzheimer’s dementia within 15 years, compared to other patients of the same age who did not develop neurodegenerative diseases.
The Aramis team analyzed the data and tested the possible links between the onset of Alzheimer’s and 123 health factors. This exploration resulted in a list of the 10 most common conditions experienced by patients who go on to develop Alzheimer’s disease within 15 years.
Some of these 10 conditions, like depression, memory loss and hearing loss, have already been connected with subsequent Alzheimer’s onset. Others, like anxiety, constipation, cervical spondyloarthritis, exposure to high stress, fatigue and discomfort, sudden weight loss and falls haven’t been as well-known.
“The connections made allowed us to confirm known associations, such as hearing problems or depression, and other less known factors or early symptoms, such as cervical spondylosis or constipation,” says Thomas Nedelec, a researcher from the Aramis team.
Nedelec cautions more research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms of these factors.
“The question remains as to whether the health problems encountered are risk factors, symptoms or warning signs of the disease,” he says.
Managing these Alzheimer’s risk factors
Even though these results still need to be refined, they could prove valuable for healthcare professionals, since they can try to address these risk factors as soon as they’re detected in the hope of preventing Alzheimer’s in their patients.
How can you use this information? Communicate with your doctor if you begin experiencing any of the 10 factors. He may want to monitor certain aspects of your health more closely.
But, while risk factors like age, family history and genetics can’t be changed, there is evidence we can influence certain lifestyle and environmental factors. And that includes the 10 found by the Aramis team.
For instance, meditation is a great way to ease symptoms of depression and anxiety and promote mental clarity. But you may also want to check for specific vitamin deficiencies that lead to depression in older adults, including B12 and D3.
To preserve your hearing, protect your ears from high noise levels by using earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. And if you do have hearing loss, use a hearing aid.
There are brain-boosting nutrients you can take that help protect against dementia. Make sure you’re getting the right dosage of brain-saving omega-3 fatty acids that have been shown even in Alzheimer’s to preserve memory function.
Speaking of diet, make sure you eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains with plenty of fiber, probiotics and prebiotics that support the gut-brain axis. Maintaining a healthy diet will also help keep constipation at bay and help support your muscles and bones and decrease your fall risk.
Finally, it’s essential to get some exercise every day to keep blood flowing throughout the brain and body. Daily movement can help relieve depression, fatigue, constipation, stress and anxiety as well as protect against dementia. It can be as simple as a daily walk around the neighborhood or (my favorite) 15 to 20 minutes of yoga in the morning.
Sources:
Identification Of New Risk Factors Or Early Signs Of Alzheimer’s Disease — Paris Brain Institute