New Evidence Report on Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease and Cognitive Decline

4. New Evidence Report on Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease and Cognitive Decline

AHRQ has released a new evidence report that concluded there is currently insufficient evidence to identify which factors or interventions may increase or decrease the risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive declines. Researchers, led by John W. Williams, M.D., at AHRQ’s Duke University Evidence-based Practice Center, reviewed 25 systematic reviews and 250 primary research studies for the April 26-28 National Institutes of Health’s Office of Medical Applications and Research State-of-the-Science Conference on the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. Some studies suggest that diabetes, certain alleles of the apoliproprotein E gene, smoking, and depression increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. Other studies, meanwhile, suggest cognitive engagement and physical activity decrease risks. With the exception of the apolipoprotein E gene, however, evidence supporting these findings tended to be weak; the degree to which these factors modified risk was typically small to moderate for Alzheimer’s disease and small for cognitive decline. Select to access the report, Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease and Cognitive Decline.

download the pdf of 727 pages:
http://www.ahrq.gov/downloads/pub/evidence/pdf/alzheimers/alzcog.pdf