OBJECTIVE: To review the evidence regarding prevention of Alzheimer disease (AD) in order to highlight the role of family medicine. QUALITY OF EVIDENCE: Most of the evidence relating to prevention of AD is derived from observational (cross-sectional, case-control, or longitudinal) studies. Evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is available only for blood pressure control and for hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women. MAIN MESSAGE: Many preventive approaches to AD have been identified, but no RCTs support their efficacy. Evidence from RCTs supports the effectiveness of blood pressure control in reducing incidence of AD, but demonstrates that postmenopausal women's use of estrogen is ineffective in reducing it. Observational studies suggest that some preventive approaches, such as healthy lifestyle, ongoing education, regular physical activity, and cholesterol control, play a role in prevention of AD. These approaches can and should be used for every patient because they carry no significant risk. Currently, no effective pharmacologic interventions have been researched enough to support their use in prevention of AD. CONCLUSION: Health professionals should educate patients, especially patients at higher risk of AD, about preventive strategies and potentially modifiable risk factors.
OBJECTIVE: To review the evidence regarding prevention of Alzheimer disease (AD) in order to highlight the role of family medicine. QUALITY OF EVIDENCE: Most of the evidence relating to prevention of AD is derived from observational (cross-sectional, case-control, or longitudinal) studies. Evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is available only for blood pressure control and for hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women. MAIN MESSAGE: Many preventive approaches to AD have been identified, but no RCTs support their efficacy. Evidence from RCTs supports the effectiveness of blood pressure control in reducing incidence of AD, but demonstrates that postmenopausal women's use of estrogen is ineffective in reducing it. Observational studies suggest that some preventive approaches, such as healthy lifestyle, ongoing education, regular physical activity, and cholesterol control, play a role in prevention of AD. These approaches can and should be used for every patient because they carry no significant risk. Currently, no effective pharmacologic interventions have been researched enough to support their use in prevention of AD. CONCLUSION: Health professionals should educate patients, especially patients at higher risk of AD, about preventive strategies and potentially modifiable risk factors.
Authors: L J Thal; A Carta; R Doody; P Leber; R Mohs; L Schneider; S Shimohama; C Silber Journal: Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord Date: 1997 Impact factor: 2.703
Authors: Françoise Forette; Marie-Laure Seux; Jan A Staessen; Lutgarde Thijs; Marija-Ruta Babarskiene; Speranta Babeanu; Alfredo Bossini; Robert Fagard; Blas Gil-Extremera; Tovio Laks; Zhanna Kobalava; Cinzia Sarti; Jaakko Tuomilehto; Hannu Vanhanen; John Webster; Yair Yodfat; Willem H Birkenhäger Journal: Arch Intern Med Date: 2002-10-14
Authors: Martha Clare Morris; Denis A Evans; Julia L Bienias; Christine C Tangney; David A Bennett; Neelum Aggarwal; Julie Schneider; Robert S Wilson Journal: Arch Neurol Date: 2003-02
Authors: P J Visser; F R Verhey; R W Ponds; M Cruts; C L Van Broeckhoven; J Jolles Journal: Int J Geriatr Psychiatry Date: 2000-04 Impact factor: 3.485
Authors: Kay Deckers; Mariagnese Barbera; Sebastian Köhler; Tiia Ngandu; Martin van Boxtel; Minna Rusanen; Tiina Laatikainen; Frans Verhey; Hilkka Soininen; Miia Kivipelto; Alina Solomon Journal: Int J Geriatr Psychiatry Date: 2019-12-06 Impact factor: 3.485