A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine performed at Boston College of Medicine shows some interesting results concerning dementia. Both vascular dementia and Alzheimer's dementia were studied.
As far back as 1948, researchers began following some 5,000 people who had signed up for the Framingham Heart Study, specifically targeting memory and dementia. Additionally, many children of the original research participants were added in 1971 and their memory was tested beginning in 1975.
They found that on average, the incidence of dementia has been decreasing about 20% per decade and the incidence of vascular dementia has been decreasing about 29% per decade. These numbers did not hold true for Alzheimer's. The researchers also looked at the numbers in terms of ethnicity. In general, the incidence of vascular dementia is highest in African-Americans (27 cases per 1,000) and lowest in Asian Americans (15 cases per 1,000). The incidence among Whites is 19 per 1,000. African-Americans have a 65% higher incidence of vascular dementia than Asian Americans.
Detailed parameters of everyday life were followed and recorded over the years. The results showed that education levels (above high school), diet, exercise, social interaction and smoking all are contributing factors. Not only that, but it appears that ceasing smoking, adding high quality fruits and vegetables to the diet, exercising regularly and challenging the brain by continuously learning new things can lead to a reversal or even avoidance of vascular dementia. Again, these lifestyle changes don't appear to significantly affect either the onset or progression of Alzheimer's.
It appears that very simple changes can yield some spectacular results!
Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com
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