Healthy lifestyles 'can reduce Alzheimer's risk'

Following a healthy lifestyle can help to significantly lower a person's chances of developing Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study.

Research published in the British Medical Journal's Clinical Evidence journal and carried out by researchers from the University of Edinburgh shows that following a healthy lifestyle in middle age is likely to help stave off dementia in later life.

According to the experts, tackling risk factors such as obesity and high cholesterol in middle age could cut an individual's risk of developing dementia by around 20 per cent.

The study, led by Dr Tom Russ and professor John Starr, both experts in health and ageing at the University of Edinburgh, suggested that the most important areas for people to address are increasing exercise frequency and keeping obesity, blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control.

It has been welcomed by experts including Alison Carnage, spokesperson for Alzheimer's Research Trust.

She stated that evidence already exists which suggests that regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle can lower people's Alzheimer's risk or even help sufferers to control the condition.

"However, this new research that has come out today is more about taking action before people develop dementia to help lower their chances," the expert said.

She added that there is probably less research into how lifestyle factors can help people who already have dementia.

Ms Carnage concluded: "I think it really highlights the evidence that leading a healthy lifestyle, taking regular exercise and eating a healthy diet can help lower someone's risk of dementia. It also can help lower their risk of other serious medical conditions."

Posted by Stephen Tate

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