A Harvard-trained neuroscientist has shared that there is no pill or supplement to prevent Alzheimer's disease, but lifestyle factors can be as effective as any future medication. Lisa Genova, a bestselling author with a PhD in Neuroscience from Harvard University, appeared in an Instagram video for @Bigthinkers to discuss how people can reduce their risk.
No Pill for Prevention, But Lifestyle Matters
In the video, Lisa Genova stated: "For 98% of us, Alzheimer's is not our brain's destiny. Our risk of developing Alzheimer's is a combination of the genes we've inherited from mum and dad, and how we live." She emphasized that lifestyle factors such as sleep, diet, exercise, stress management, and learning new things influence brain health. "These aren't particularly sexy, but they work," she added. "The good news is that a lot of these lifestyle factors work as well as any pill that we might develop for preventing Alzheimer's. We just have to do them."
Risk Factors According to the NHS
The NHS notes that the exact cause of Alzheimer's is not fully understood, but several factors increase risk: age, a family history of the condition, untreated depression, and lifestyle factors associated with cardiovascular disease. These include smoking, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Alzheimer's is most common in people over 65, affecting an estimated one in 14 people over 65 and one in six over 80.
Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Risk
The NHS advises that you can reduce your risk by stopping smoking, eating a healthy balanced diet, staying physically and mentally active, losing weight if needed, drinking less alcohol, and having regular health checks. Other factors like hearing loss, loneliness, and a sedentary lifestyle are also important, though not directly proven to cause the disease.
Understanding the Impact
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive condition that develops gradually over many years, affecting multiple brain functions. Lisa Genova's advice underscores that while no magic pill exists, adopting healthy lifestyle habits can significantly lower the risk for the majority of people.
