While Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 900,000 people in France, its onset is not entirely inevitable.
- In France, 900,000 people suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.
- “To reduce our risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular risk factors must be modified first,” indicates the Médéric Alzheimer Foundation.
- Concretely, the research institute recommends initiating 5 lines of action if necessary.
To reduce our risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular risk factors must be modified first.
“The researchers found that the higher the cardiovascular risk, the greater the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease early on,” noted the Médéric Alzheimer Foundation. “It is therefore necessary to reduce these risks as much as possible in order to delay the age at which the first symptoms of the pathology appear,” she adds.
Concretely, the research institute advises initiating the following 5 lines of action if necessary.
1/ Reduce high blood pressure
“It is now proven that between the ages of 45 and 65, “normalizing” blood pressure reduces the frequency of occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease,” begins the Médéric Alzheimer Foundation.
“Some of your lifestyle habits can increase your resting blood pressure. There are four key factors to consider: your weight, your salt intake, your alcohol intake and your level of physical activity,” she explains.
2/ Stop smoking
Tobacco, and in particular the components inhaled with cigarette smoke, have toxic effects on many organs: our brain, our lungs and our cardiovascular system. “This is why smoking is linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Quitting smoking will allow you to delay the age of onset of this pathology,” the non-profit organization emphasizes.
3/ Reduce cholesterol
Studies show that the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease is greater in people with high levels of LDL cholesterol and low levels of HDL cholesterol in their blood.
“From the age of 45, it is recommended to have a screening by having your cholesterol level checked by a doctor,” advises the Médéric Alzheimer Foundation. “To maintain a healthy cholesterol level, our experts advise you to adopt a Mediterranean-style diet, in particular by reducing your consumption of fatty acids,” continues the institution. “Our specialists also invite you to lose weight if necessary and also to practice regular physical activity,” she recommends.
4/ Treat diabetes
Diabetes is a major cardiovascular risk factor characterized by elevated blood glucose concentrations. “It is the late-onset form (between 45 and 65 years) which is associated with an increased risk of developing cognitive impairment and therefore Alzheimer’s disease,” experts specify.
“Your doctor will be best placed to support you and help you maintain a stable blood sugar level within normal limits”they believe.
5/ Lose weight
“If excess weight persists for years and after you are 65, it can lead more quickly to cognitive decline and the premature onset of symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease,” ends the Médéric Alzheimer Foundation. “On the other hand, if we reduce our weight by just 10% through a balanced diet and regular physical activity, this risk factor can then return to normal spontaneously, that is, without medical treatment,” she concludes.
In France, 900,000 people suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, including twice as many women as men.
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition that primarily affects memory but also other cognitive functions related to, for example, language, reasoning or learning. “This pathology generally progresses towards a loss of autonomy”, complete Pasteur Institute.
