Every 22 seconds in the world and every 71 seconds in this country, someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and a startling new report out today from the Alzheimer’s Association predicts that one out of every eight baby boomers — or over 10 million Americans — is expected to develop the disease sometime in the near future. If new treatments are years away, is there anything you can do today that might prevent it?
Fran Hershkowitz’s mother began losing her memory more than a decade ago, and now Fran, who is 63, worries if he might be next.
“It’s frightening, too, to think that one day this is going to be me.” the younger Hershkowitz said. Evidence shows that physical exercise may be the most effective remedy today to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, and large health studies have shown that people who stay physically active are less likely to develop the disease. Scientists put that idea to the test. Researchers bred mice to develop the specific kind of plaque in the brain, as seen in Alzheimer’s disease. Some mice were allowed to exercise, and some were not. The autopsy results were stunning. [click to continue…]
While the National Cancer Institute (INCA) recalled that a glass of alcohol increases the risk of cancer, U.S. study shows that consumption equivalent to 1 or 2 drinks per day may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease . A result in agreement with various studies on the possible positive role of alcohol, especially wine, on memory.
Presented at a conference of experts in Vienna (Austria), this study by Wake Forest University in North Carolina based on monitoring during 6 years of alcohol consumption of 3 079 subjects aged 75 years and older. All were Separated into four categories (0 glass 1 to 7 glasses, 8 to 14 glasses and more than 14 drinks per week). After examining the patient every 6 months, it seems that people would be limited to 1 or 2 glasses of alcohol per day by 37% reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
This study also indicates that drinking more than 14 drinks per week (over 2 per day) doubled the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in those who already have memory problems compared to those who abstain.
So there still is any question of degree. To derive possible benefits of alcohol, must moderate their consumption.
With increased life expectancy, scientists estimate that more than 16 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease in Europe in 2050, more than double (7.1 million) in the year 2000.