What Are the Risk Factors for Alzheimer's Disease? Can I Reduce My Risk?

Did you know that making changes to the way you live your life can lower your risk of Alzheimer’s disease by as much as 40%? In this episode, we look at how the things we do can affect our brain health. We also talk about the risks of getting Alzheimer's from the genes we inherit from our parents. 

Our guests explain that Alzheimer's and dementia are partly modifiable, meaning that certain lifestyle changes can decrease the risk of developing these conditions. Our guest Kelly O'Brien, who has a family history of Alzheimer's, shares her relief after learning that genes are risk factors, but not absolute predictors of the disease. 

We learn what factors put people at a higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease, and discuss strategies available to potentially reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's. We highlight the importance of a "brain-healthy lifestyle," which includes managing risk factors such as heart disease, diabetes, and high cholesterol through diet, exercise, and social interaction. We also discuss the significance of genetic factors, like the APOE4 gene, but remind listeners that these do not guarantee the development of Alzheimer's.

We highlight disparities in healthcare and how they affect Alzheimer's risk and treatment, particularly in Black and Latino communities. Efforts to address these disparities and include diverse populations in clinical trials are mentioned as critical steps toward providing equitable healthcare. 

This episode underscores the importance of early detection and proactive health management. Despite the genetic risks and the inevitability of aging, individuals can take significant steps to protect their brain health and possibly reduce their risk of Alzheimer's. Tune in to learn how to adopt a healthier lifestyle, and seek medical advice to navigate the risks for Alzheimer's.

For links to resources and information covered in this series, visit our website at HealthUnmuted.com/resources

What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear from you. Please visit healthunmuted.com/feedback to let us know!

Rethinking Alzheimer’s Disease was made possible with support from Eisai Inc.

[02:07] The role of genes like APOE4 in Alzheimer's disease

[03:56] How to detect APOE4 through a genetic test

[04:57] What is the benefit of having a genetic test?

[05:48] What role does age and gender have in developing Alzheimer’s disease? 

[07:10] What are the modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer's?

[09:39] Healthcare disparities and Alzheimer's risk

[11:34] What is the role of race and ethnicity in developing Alzheimer’s?

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast or its guests is solely at your own risk.

©2024 Mission Based Media Ltd • April 2024 • AD-M2059