Cattails

Study explores preventing Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease has no known cause, but physicians generally recommend a heart-healthy diet to reduce risk. This means eating many fruits and vegetables and limiting fat, cholesterol and red meat. Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight also seem to play a role in reducing risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and it’s a good practice for overall health.

A Marshfield Clinic researcher is studying whether the environment (such as diet, exercise and smoking) and statins, used to lower cholesterol, have a role in controlling the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Results from that study are expected in the next year.

“We do not have enough scientific evidence to conclude if this will prevent Alzheimer’s disease,” said Daniel Sa, M.D., a neurologist at Marshfield Clinic Marshfield Center and Chippewa Center. “It makes sense that if you keep your blood vessels open, reducing brain damage, you will be able to maintain function for a longer time. There is indirect evidence that cerebrovascular disease is related to Alzheimer’s disease.”

In addition to exercising your body, exercising your brain also seems to reduce the chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Doing crossword puzzles, playing bridge or chess and reading contribute to brain health.

Lifelong learning appears to have benefits. Learning and playing music or studying another language may help keep the brain elastic and growing. Look for classes at a local university extension or technical college as one way to keep your brain engaged.

Some indirect, but unproven evidence suggests that actively using the brain may keep it healthier longer, Dr. Sa said. A higher level of education correlates to a lower risk for Alzheimer’s, as does being bilingual.