Good News About Alzheimer's

You probably don't think of Alzheimer's as a woman's disease, but it is. Of the 5.3 million Americans who have it, nearly 70 percent are women. That's because the risk of this brain disease doubles every five years after age 65 -- and women live longer than men. Alzheimer's not only strikes us more, but it affects us more because women take on a greater caretaking role than men do. The majority of those caring for affected parents, parents-in-law, grandparents, or other relatives are women, and 34 percent of them have children under age 18 living at home, too. There is some good news, thanks to a wave of breakthrough studies and a landmark report produced by the Alzheimer's Association and Maria Shriver, the first lady of California. The most exciting development? Mounting evidence suggests you may be able to dodge the bullet of Alzheimer's, or at least delay its onset by years, with healthy lifestyle changes. We've rounded up the latest research and the best advice for beating this heartbreaking disease.

Maria's Mission
Women coping with loved ones who have Alzheimer's often feel confused, alone and overwhelmed with learning about treatments and care. Shriver knows these struggles firsthand. Her father, former politician and Peace Corps director Sargent Shriver, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2003; today he doesn't know her name or who she is. Motivated by her experience, she started a personal crusade to raise awareness of the impact Alzheimer's has on the lives of women, both as patients and caregivers. She first wrote a children's book -- What's Happening to Grandpa? -- then produced a four-part documentary for HBO in 2009 titled The Alzheimer's Project. Now her most exhaustive look at the disease to date, prepared in conjunction with the Alzheimer's Association, is being released on awomansnation.com and alz.org. About this latest effort Shriver told us, "I want to send the message that this is a national epidemic. It affects all of us, not just the elderly, and I want sufferers of Alzheimer's and their children, parents, families, husbands, and wives to know they're not alone." In "The Shriver Report: A Woman's Nation Takes On Alzheimer's," you'll find information on the latest advances in research as well as practical advice and personal stories from diverse Americans affected by the disease.

Cutting-Edge Advances

New Insights into Diagnosis
In 2011 the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association will release new criteria for diagnosing the disease. The guidelines should help doctors pinpoint cases more accurately -- and promote scientific testing of new methods to detect the disease earlier when it may be more treatable.

Expanding Therapy Options
The Alzheimer's Association estimates there are more than 100 current studies on dementia and Alzheimer's. Dozens of experimental drugs will soon be ready to test.

Immunotherapy Progress
Several experimental vaccines are being tested in Alzheimer's patients. Most are aimed at preventing or reducing the buildup of brain proteins that may cause the disease.

A Step Forward in Early Detection
Researchers are getting closer to the goal of identifying the disease before symptoms are evident (which could pave the way to earlier intervention). A recent study published in the Archives of Neurology found that a sample of spinal fluid contains biomarkers that can accurately predict who will get Alzheimer's. And PET scans of the brain may reveal tell-tale changes in protein structures that begin years, perhaps even decades, before symptoms show up.

Get Moving and More!

Being active physically, mentally, and socially may lower your risk of Alzheimer's. Case in point? A Harvard Medical School study found that any combination of moderate activity, such as climbing stairs, bowling, golfing, or doing yard work or housework for at least an hour a day, reduced the risk of dementia by 45 percent. We checked in with award-winning medical journalist Jean Carper, author of the new book 100 Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer's and Age-Related Memory Loss, for her personal take.

Is the thinking "use it or lose it"?
Yes. Experts believe exercise keeps dementia at a distance by promoting blood flow to the brain and helping to flush away damaging proteins. Learning new things and having an active social life prevent brain cells from atrophying and actually enlarge them.

What kinds of mental activities might really work to protect you?
Anything that gives your brain a good workout, like playing Scrabble, mastering a new musical instrument, or reading difficult books. When I learned that I was at high risk for Alzheimer's, I decided that I would learn Spanish, partly because I'm terrible at foreign languages. It's the effort -- not how well you do -- that helps keep memory and thinking intact. In fact, if you're great at crosswords, you probably should find something more challenging.

Why does socializing matter?
The best answer investigators can come up with is that it keeps the brain's communication and memory skills in good shape. What seems to be important is regular contact with friends and family, since studies show people who feel isolated and lonely are far more likely to experience cognitive decline.

Brain-Saving Diet Shifts

Eating a Mediterranean-type diet can cut your chances of Alzheimer's by 38 percent, says a recent study. There's not just one nutrient that does the trick, though; you've got to follow the whole plan to keep your memory sharp.

Mind Your Heart Health

It appears that the same things that affect your heart health also impact brain health, says Maria Carrillo, PhD, senior director of medical and scientific relations at the Alzheimer's Association. It's another good reason to get these risk factors for heart disease and stroke under control.

High Cholesterol
In one study, people in their early 40s with elevated cholesterol were 50 percent more likely to develop dementia in their 60s and 70s. Excess cholesterol in the blood may promote the formation of damaging plaque in the brain.

High Blood Pressure
Readings above 140/90 can increase your risk of Alzheimer's by compromising blood flow to the brain.

Smoking
It doubles your risk of Alzheimer's, according to a Dutch study. But a French study showed quitting brings the risk of cognitive troubles back down.

Diabetes
People with diabetes have a 60 percent higher risk of developing Alzheimer's, according to research from Columbia University. High blood glucose levels might harm brain cells.

HELP DISCOVER THE CURE
To get involved in studies of innovative Alzheimer's treatments, go to alz.org/trialmatch. This new Alzheimer's Association service quickly matches eligible volunteers to clinical trials -- whether they're healthy, at risk for Alzheimer's, or already suffering from the disease.

Originally published in Ladies' Home Journal, November 2010.