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Week of March 29 - April 5, 2009

This lecture was presented at the 24th Conference of Alzheimer's Disease International, held March 25-28, 2009, at the Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre in Singapore.

Suntec City, Singapore - "Can lifestyle prevent Alzheimer's disease?", a plenary talk by Dr. Henry Brodaty, MD, was presented on Friday morning, March 27, 2009. Henry Brodaty, MD, DSc, is the Professor of Age Care Mental Health and Director of the Dementia Collaborative Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, Australia. He directly addressed whether we can really "eat, drink, exercise, socialize and think our way out of Alzheimer's."

In recent years, there has been a great deal of conflicting information in this area. Research studies have reported protective effects against Alzheimer's and dementia for education; exercise; mental activities; foods and fluids rich in antioxidants and polyphenols such as fruit or vegetable juice, wine, green tea, and fish; and long-term use of certain medications, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-cholesterol drugs and hormone replacement therapy.

As for indicators that increase the risk, high blood pressure, type II diabetes, obesity, high fat diets, high cholesterol, head injury, loneliness, lack of education, lack of exercise, depression, low birth weight for gestational age, and smaller head circumference have been found to be risk factors for Alzheimer's and dementia.

Brodaty's bottom line: "There is currently no absolute prevention against Alzheimer's. Until reports are confirmed by several groups around the world, consumers should be wary of media hyperbole. And, even where a risk or protective factor is significant in a large population study, this may only change the risk slightly for individuals."

Summing It Up

"More research is definitely needed," Brodaty continued, "on topics such as how genetic and environment factors interact. For now, the best evidence we have for Alzheimer's prevention points to regular physical exercise, ongoing mental activity and blood pressure control. In general, what is good for your heart is good for your brain."

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MORE INFORMATION:

24th Conference of Alzheimer's Disease International

The 24th Conference of Alzheimer's Disease International was held March 25-28, 2009, at the Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Suntec City, Singapore. "Dementia: Engaging Societies Around the World" is jointly organized by London-based Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) and Alzheimer's Disease Association, Singapore (ADA). For more information, please visit http://www.adi2009.org

Alzheimer's Disease International

Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) is the international federation of 77 Alzheimer associations. It was founded in 1984 as a network for Alzheimer associations around the world to share and exchange information, resources and skills. ADI is based in London and is registered as a non-profit organization in the USA. ADI has been in official relations with the World Health Organization since 1996. Each member is the national Alzheimer association in their country who support people with dementia and their families. ADI's mission is to improve the quality of life of people with dementia and their families throughout the world.

Alzheimer's Disease Association, Singapore

The Alzheimer's Disease Association (ADA) was formed in 1990 as a result of growing concern for the needs of people with dementia and their families. ADA is a voluntary welfare organization and is made up of caregivers, professionals and all who are interested in dementia. In addition to groundbreaking local initiatives in dementia day care and caregiver support, ADA's other initiatives include the Early Dementia Program, training in Person Centered Care and Dementia Care Mapping, public education, advocacy and research support.

SOURCES:

Alzheimer's Disease International: http://www.adi2009.org