Dementia and Alzheimer's disease may not be an inevitable part of aging, according to a recent Dutch study, which identified 100-year-olds with high cognitive performance despite risk factors for decline.
This six-year study of centenarians -- people who are over 100 years old -- found that despite high levels of a brain marker associated with cognitive decline, called amyloid beta, these centenarians were still sharp and performed well on cognitive tests.
"Dementia and Alzheimer's tend to be multifactorial conditions, meaning that a mix of genetics, age, environment, lifestyle behaviors and medical conditions that coexist together and can lead a person toward or away from cognitive decline," said Isaacson.
The researchers in the study proposed some of these protective factors associated with cognitive performance could be education, frequent cognitive activity and even IQ.
A study by Isaacson's team at the Alzheimer's Prevention Clinic found it was possible to improve cognitive function and reduce risk, especially in those who followed suggestions on lifestyle modification, such as exercise, nutrition, vascular risk and medications.
"It's essential for people at risk to see their doctors on a regular basis and consider cognitive screening tests," said Isaacson.
UK
Australia
France
Germany
Russia
India
Canada