MSNBC.com reports that scientists have discovered that brain scans indicating a lower energy use by the hippocampus may indicate a likelihood of future Alzheimer's disease or
other mental health problems nine years before any symptoms develop.
Still, the discovery may provide leads to scientists searching for
therapies to at least delay the onset of the degenerative brain
disease. It already affects 4.5 million people in the U.S. and is
predicted to strike 14 million by 2050 as the population ages.
Moreover, researchers are honing in on lifestyle choices that may
help protect the brain in the first place.
"It's exciting that we can even talk about prevention," said William
Thies, scientific director of the Alzheimer's Association. He noted
that just 10 years ago there was hardly any research into that
possibility.
The Alzheimer's Association also issued a press release
listing several lifestyle factors that may increase or
decrease your chance of getting Alzheimer's. Some of their findings include:
Decreasing social activity is associated with increased risk of dementia.
Fruit and vegetable juices may reduce risk for Alzheimer’s disease
Exercise and moderate alcohol consumption may boost brain health
