We were all ecstatic to hear that a new study conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles, developed the first-ever program to successfully reverse memory loss in patients. While the UCLA study involved a small sample of subjects — just 10 people — and used an incredibly intricate treatment method, the revelation that memory loss can, at least in some circumstances, be undone is a significant step forward for Alzheimer's research.
Unfortunately, even with this progress, we're still many years off from developing more effective treatment solutions — let alone a cure — for Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Until then, education is the best tool we have at our disposal to keep an eye out for potential red flags that may indicate Alzheimer's later in life.
In keeping with that philosophy, CBS News has highlighted seven of the primary risk factors for Alzheimer's disease to be wary of:
- Blood pressure: About 8 percent of people with Alzheimer's disease also suffered from hypertension — high blood pressure — in their middle-aged years.
- Depression: Depression affects 15 percent of Americans with Alzheimer's, though it's not clear whether this brain health condition is a cause of dementia, a symptom of it or a case where the two feed into and exacerbate each other.
- Diabetes: Blood sugar levels have been linked to heightening the risk for Alzheimer's. Approximately 3 percent of Alzheimer's patients also suffer from diabetes.
- Obesity: Not only is obesity bad for your heart and lungs, it has also been linked to 7 percent of U.S. Alzheimer's cases.
- Physical inactivity: A lack of exercise may to be blame for Alzheimer's for many. One-third of Americans suffering from this condition are sedentary.
- Smoking: Not only does smoking cigarettes tarnish your lungs and significantly increase your likelihood for lung cancer, it's also a common habit for 11 percent of Alzheimer's patients.
- Underutilized brain: Whether stemming from a lack of education or simply not exercising your brain enough on a daily basis, this risk factor applies to 7 percent of Americans with Alzheimer's.
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