Rising levels of health care and education worldwide may be decreasing or delaying the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease around the world.
That is the conclusion of a report from two U.S. researchers, published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The researchers reviewed five studies that found a decline in cases of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. According to the scientists, the drop in cases of the brain diseases, which affect memory and cognitive skills, may be attributed to “better prevention and treatment of key cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol,” UPI notes.
While things appear to be getting better, in terms of the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s, the researchers warn that rising rates of obesity and diabetes could undermine the trend.
The researchers first noted a decline in rates of dementia among U.S. patients in 2008. Subsequent studies in Europe have also indicated a decline in dementia. Lower risks of dementia and Alzheimer’s are associated with later retirement, more education, increased social engagement and heart disease prevention and treatment.