One in Three Alzheimer's Cases Potentially Preventable: Study

A new research has found that one in every three Alzheimer's disease cases worldwide are potentially preventable.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that a third of Alzheimer's cases, most common form of dementia, are linked to certain risk facts that can be modified including lack of education as well as physical inactivity.

Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that triggers problems with memory, thinking and behavior. This is not a normal part of aging and symptoms develop slowly and get worse over time. This disease accounts for 60-80 percent of dementia cases and is caused due to genetic and lifestyle factors. This progressive disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. It is currently estimated that by 2050, over 106 million people will be suffering from it. 

Few of the major lifestyle factors that cause this disease is lack of exercise, smoking, poor education and depression. According to the new study, targeting these potential factors helps lower the risk of the disease.

"Simply tackling physical inactivity, for example, will reduce levels of obesity, hypertension and diabetes, and prevent some people from developing dementia as well as a healthier old age in general -- it's a win-win situation," Carol Brayne, lead author of the study, told The Daily Telegraph.

A study, conducted in 2011, highlighted that as many as one in every two cases of the disease can be prevented by modifying lifestyle factors. But, these risk factors were considered as being independent of one another. However, in the latest study estimate has dropped to one in three cases.

They analyzed the data and focused on the seven main risk factors for the disease that includes diabetes, mid-life hypertension, mid-life obesity, physical activity, depression, smoking and low educational attainment.

The researchers estimated that nearly 9 million cases of Alzheimer's can be prevented by 2050 just by reducing the risk of each of the factors by 10 percent.

The risk of developing dementia at an older age can be reduced by adhering to more physical activity, reducing obesity.

"Our hope is that these estimates will help public health professionals and health policy makers design effective strategies to prevent and manage this disease," said Dr Deborah Barnes, who led the study in 2011.