Right now, there''s no proven way to prevent the
onset of Alzheimer''s disease.
Researchers had developed what looked
to be a
promising vaccine against Alzheimer''s that worked by stopping deposits of
beta-amyloid in the brain. Animal studies were so encouraging that human trials
began in 2001. Unfortunately, they soon had to be stopped because some people
experienced serious inflammation of the brain. While these results were
disappointing, scientists learned from these experiments and many
researchers continue to look for ways to reduce the risk of this
disease. Several leads are
hopeful, but still preliminary. They include: Healthy aging.
Some of the most recent research indicates that taking steps to improve your
cardiovascular health, such as losing weight, exercising and controlling high
blood pressure and cholesterol, may also help prevent Alzheimer''s disease. Nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Several studies have shown that the
NSAIDs ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) and
indomethacin (Indocin) may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer''s. This may
be because inflammation appears to play a role in Alzheimer''s. What isn''t
known, however, is whether inflammation is a cause of Alzheimer''s or simply an
effect of the disease. Because NSAIDs can cause serious gastrointestinal
bleeding, clinical trials need to be completed before it''s clear whether people
should take NSAIDs solely to prevent Alzheimer''s. Statins.
These drugs — a class that includes atorvastatin (Lipitor), rosuvastatin
(Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor) — are normally used to lower cholesterol
levels, but recent studies have shown that they may also reduce the risk of
Alzheimer''s disease. More studies are being done to determine exactly what
role, if any, statins may have in Alzheimer''s prevention. Selective
estrogen receptor molecules (SERMs). A SERM called raloxifene (Evista)
is used to protect against the bone loss associated with osteoporosis. It also
appears to lower the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment, a memory
disorder that often precedes Alzheimer''s. Vitamin E and ginkgo.
Both these substances have been linked to improvements in cognitive abilities,
and their potential effects on Alzheimer''s are being studied. One large study,
however, showed that vitamin E has no effect on the development of Alzheimer''s
in people who have mild cognitive impairment. Mental fitness.
Maintaining mental fitness may delay onset of dementia. Some researchers
believe that lifelong mental exercise and learning may promote the growth of
additional synapses, the connections between neurons, and delay the onset of
dementia. Other researchers argue that advanced education gives a person more
experience with the types of memory and thinking tests used to measure dementia.
This advanced level of education simply may help some people "cover
up" their condition until later. Delaying the onset of Alzheimer''s is an
important step in fighting the disease. If the onset of Alzheimer''s could be
postponed by just five years, it would dramatically reduce the number of people
who have the disease