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Risk factors and interventions for Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review
Author(s) -
Almeida Jose Roberto,
Almeida Maysa Cunha,
Cunha Maria Eduarda,
Silva Ana Gabriela Correia
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1002/alz.037688
Subject(s) - medicine , dementia , disease , gerontology , psychological intervention , diabetes mellitus , cognitive decline , physical therapy , psychiatry , endocrinology
Abstract Background Risk of developing Alzheimer´s Disease (AD) is increased by older age, family history, sex, genetic factors (especially the presence of the APOE‐4 allele; a history of head trauma, midlife hypertension, education, obesity, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. In the absence of medications that can halt or prevent AD, lifestyle interventions that could improve maintain cognitive function have become increasingly important. Method We developed evidence‐based guidelines using systematic literature searches, with criteria for study selection and quality assessment decision‐making process was selected studies published from February 2008 to June 2019 that met the following criteria: dementia, risk factors and prevention. Result An estimated one‐third of AD cases can be attributed to modifiable risk factors. Studies have show that certain dietary (in contrast with high‐glycemic and fatty diets, a healthy diet is associated with decrease in beta‐amyloid burden, inflammation and oxidative stress); lifestyle habits such as physical exercise (regular exercise has been showed to have direct neuroprotective effects); meditation/spiritual activity; mental and social activity (higher levels of complex mental activities measured across the lifespan, such as education, occupation, reading and writing are correlated with significantly less hippocampal, volume shrinkage over time). Conclusion There is increasing evidence that combining multiple lifestyle modifications may yield better out comes in maintaining to improving cognition. A combination of healthful diet steps and regular physical exercise may reduce the risk of developing AD. These lifestyle changes body weight, cardiovascular health and diabetes risk, and essentially no risk for harm.