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Study finds nine risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, one thing is certain – the earlier it is detected, the better.

But a new study has found that some of the risk factors for the form of dementia may actually be preventable.

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According to a new study published online in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, there are nine risk factors when it comes to Alzheimer’s.

Researchers linked obesity, carotid artery narrowing; low educational attainment; depression; high blood pressure; frailty; smoking; high levels of amino acid, homocysteine; and type-2 diabetes to about two-thirds of cases.

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For their research scientists analysed data from over 300 studies, to identify common risk factors. Researchers found evidence that some hormones, vitamins and drugs to reduce high blood pressure may also help the risk of developing the disease, while depression and homocysteine were linked to a higher risk.

While researchers found purely observational links between these nine risk factors and Alzheimer’s, they believe it could help healthcare professionals prescribe lifestyle changes that could reduce your risk.

Adopting small healthy habits like following a heart-healthy diet, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight may make a big difference in preventing the onset of the disease.


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