Alzheimer's Rate Falling in the United States, Studies Show
Alzheimer's Rate Falling in the United States, Studies Show
Improved heart health may be one reason for decline seen in some developed countries
"What's good for the heart is also good for the brain," Hartley said.
Another potential factor: In general, people are better educated now than they were decades ago, and many studies have linked higher education levels to a lower Alzheimer's risk, or later onset of the disease.
It's possible, according to Hartley, that education is just a marker of some other protective factor. But he also pointed to the "cognitive reserve" theory.
According to that theory, people who are more educated may be able to function normally, even when the brain begins to take on Alzheimer's-linked changes -- those abnormal protein deposits known as "plaques" and "tangles."
Basically, their brains may be better equipped to compensate for that damage, by recruiting alternative brain-cell networks, for example. And, Hartley said, it's thought that the same could be true of older people who stay mentally active -- by reading, taking classes, playing games or socializing.
Satizabal said her study has some limitations, including the fact that the participants were mainly white Massachusetts residents. "We don't know if the results would be the same in African Americans, or Asian or Hispanic Americans," she said.
And while there were positive trends in conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, the reverse was true when it came to obesity and diabetes -- which grew more common over time.
The decline in dementia is "great news," Satizabal said, but it might have been even better were it not for the rising rates of obesity and diabetes.
"It's important to manage cardiovascular risk factors while you're young," Satizabal said. "Don't wait until you're older."
And as for the link between education and dementia, she agreed with Hartley that mentally stimulating activities may be key. "You don't have to have a Ph.D. to be mentally active throughout your life," Satizabal said.
What's really needed are clinical trials that test the idea that lifestyle choices and better cardiovascular health can stave off dementia, Hartley noted. And those trials are already under way, he said. A study in Finland is looking at whether diet changes, physical and mental exercise, and social activities can forestall dementia in older adults who have an increased risk.
Slideshow: When a Loved One Has Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Rate Falling in United States: Studies
Improved heart health may be one reason for decline seen in some developed countries
"What's good for the heart is also good for the brain," Hartley said.
Another potential factor: In general, people are better educated now than they were decades ago, and many studies have linked higher education levels to a lower Alzheimer's risk, or later onset of the disease.
It's possible, according to Hartley, that education is just a marker of some other protective factor. But he also pointed to the "cognitive reserve" theory.
According to that theory, people who are more educated may be able to function normally, even when the brain begins to take on Alzheimer's-linked changes -- those abnormal protein deposits known as "plaques" and "tangles."
Basically, their brains may be better equipped to compensate for that damage, by recruiting alternative brain-cell networks, for example. And, Hartley said, it's thought that the same could be true of older people who stay mentally active -- by reading, taking classes, playing games or socializing.
Satizabal said her study has some limitations, including the fact that the participants were mainly white Massachusetts residents. "We don't know if the results would be the same in African Americans, or Asian or Hispanic Americans," she said.
And while there were positive trends in conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, the reverse was true when it came to obesity and diabetes -- which grew more common over time.
The decline in dementia is "great news," Satizabal said, but it might have been even better were it not for the rising rates of obesity and diabetes.
"It's important to manage cardiovascular risk factors while you're young," Satizabal said. "Don't wait until you're older."
And as for the link between education and dementia, she agreed with Hartley that mentally stimulating activities may be key. "You don't have to have a Ph.D. to be mentally active throughout your life," Satizabal said.
What's really needed are clinical trials that test the idea that lifestyle choices and better cardiovascular health can stave off dementia, Hartley noted. And those trials are already under way, he said. A study in Finland is looking at whether diet changes, physical and mental exercise, and social activities can forestall dementia in older adults who have an increased risk.
Slideshow: When a Loved One Has Alzheimer's Disease
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