Modifiable Risk Factors for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Aging and Health Matters

Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia, affects an estimated 6.5 million Americans aged ≥65 years. A growing body of evidence has identified potential modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), including high blood pressure, not meeting the aerobic physical activity guideline, obesity, diabetes, depression, current smoking, hearing loss, and binge drinking. A new CDC study examined the status of these modifiable risk factors among adults aged ≥45 years and found that the most common were high blood pressure and not meeting the aerobic physical activity guideline; each was found in nearly half of adults.