ICAD Summary Video | Day 3

Maria Carillo discusses research presented during the third day of ICAD 2009.

PTSD ASSOCIATED WITH HIGHER ALZHEIMER’S/DEMENTIA RISK; MODERATE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION MAY LOWER IT

PTSD ASSOCIATED WITH HIGHER ALZHEIMER’S/DEMENTIA RISK; MODERATE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION MAY LOWER IT

Also, Survey Shows Adults Don’t Know Heart Risk & Alzheimer’s Risk Are Related

Vienna, July 13, 2009 – Though discoveries about Alzheimer’s disease risk factors are often in the news, adults do not know about the relationship between Alzheimer’s disease risk and heart health, nor that physical activity can be protective against dementia, according to new research reported today at the Alzheimer’s Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD 2009) in Vienna.

Two additional studies reported at ICAD 2009 show higher Alzheimer’s risk in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and lower Alzheimer’s risk among adults who consume moderate amounts of alcohol.

“Your brain plays a critical role in almost everything you do: thinking, feeling, remembering, working, and playing – even sleeping,” said Maria Carrillo, PhD, Director of Medical & Scientific Relations at the Alzheimer’s Association. “The good news is that we now know there’s a lot you can do to help keep your brain healthier as you age. These steps might also reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.”

“There’s a strong and credible association between heart health and brain health. If people learn about and do some simple lifestyle modifications, such as being more physically active and eating a brain healthy diet, it could have an enormous impact on our nation's public health and the cost of healthcare,” Carrillo added.

The studies reported at ICAD 2009 were:
-- Colleen Jackson, et al – Dementia literacy: Public understanding of known risk factors.
-- Kristine Yaffe, et al -- Post-traumatic stress disorder and risk of dementia among U.S. veterans.
-- Kaycee M Sink, et al - Moderate alcohol intake is associated with lower dementia incidence: results from the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory Study (GEMS).

For more information, visit: http://www.alz.org

ICAD Summary Video | Day 1

Dr. William Thies discusses studies presented during the first day of the 2009 Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease.