Studies Point to Possible 60% Risk Reduction of Alzheimer's Through Healthy Living

Two recent studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) highlight the importance of controllable lifestyle habits that can have a significant impact on the risk profile of developing Alzheimer's disease. The studies (one in the U.S. and the other in France) looked at diet (particularly the so-called "Mediterranean diet") and physical activity as correlative factors and slower cognitive damage. "[The study] suggests that aging need not be a passive process," stated Ronald Petersen, director of the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at the Mayo Clinic.

In the U.S. study, those that maintained a Mediterranean diet reduced their risk for Alzheimer's by 40% and those with the highest physical activity decreased their risk by 33%.

It should be noted that these types of study can only show correlation and not casual relationship but they do make a convincing argument that healthy diet and exercise should be part of lifelong healthy living.