Dementia study sees promising data after risk-reduction tactics

This is the online edition of STAT’s AAIC in 30 newsletter. Subscribe to receive it directly in your inbox here.

Greetings from Day 2 of the AAIC. The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference is hosting 10,200 attendees, an increase of 1,700 from last year, representing 115 countries. This was highlighted by Maria Carrillo of the association during Monday’s plenary session. However, the individual who left the biggest impression on me was a woman I spotted resting on a bench in a corridor, her sunhat shading her eyes. Truly inspirational.

A quick note on scheduling: Due to the peculiarities of our newsletter timetable, there will be no edition tomorrow, but expect a wrap-up in your inbox on Wednesday. Meanwhile, keep an eye on statnews.com tomorrow for conference updates around 9:15 a.m. Eastern time.

Latin American study hailed as a ‘landmark’ achievement

Alzheimer’s disease remains a challenging condition to treat, but certain risk factors for dementia are well-established. These include poor nutrition, inadequate sleep, poor cardiovascular health, insufficient physical activity, limited social interaction, and lower levels of education, all of which increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

A study presented at last year’s AAIC tested risk-reduction interventions. The U.S. Pointer study demonstrated that a comprehensive, structured program promoting better diet, exercise, cardiovascular health checks, and other measures significantly enhanced cognitive function in older adults at dementia risk compared to a less intensive program managed independently by participants. Both groups experienced benefits, reinforcing that healthy habits are crucial for a healthy brain.

STAT+ Exclusive Story