Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Social Neuroscience and Public Health pp 193–214Cite as

Alzheimer’s Dementia and Lifestyle: Towards a Primary Prevention

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

Abstract

The incidence of Alzheimer’s disease is predicted to rise as life expectation grows across populations. The cause of the disease is unknown, and very likely multifactorial. Pharmacological attempts have been unsuccessful, and a pharmacological magic bullet is unlikely to be found. This raises the question how lifestyles, especially our modern way of life, contributes to the risk, and how this might be prevented through lifestyle measures. We have conducted a series of systematic reviews of the literature and describe here important lifestyle elements that have some support in favor of them. These are: avoiding toxins, especially heavy metals; a diet emphasizing a good balance of essential fatty acids, a reduction of intake of easily degradable carbohydrates and diet rich in antioxidants; physical exercise and a culture of consciousness, including healthy social relationships. The challenge of the future will be to find a way of individual lifestyle counseling that respects the eminently individual way how lifestyles are realized as genuine expressions of individual choices.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Notes

  1. 1.

    This is confirmed by our own meta-analysis that included studies up to 2011, as yet unpublished.

References

  • Angermayr, L., Melchart, D., et al. (2010). The diagnosis of mild cognitive impariment due to Alzheimer’s disease: recommendations from the National Institute of Aging and Alzheimer’s Association workgroup. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 40, 49–64.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Annweiler, C., Allali, G., et al. (2009). Vitamin D and cognitive performance in adults: a systematic review. European Journal of Neurology, 16(10), 1083–1089.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Anstey, K. J., Cherbuin, N., et al. (2011). Body mass index in midlife and late-life as a risk factor for dementia: a meta-analysis of prospective studies. Obesity Reviews, 12(5), e426–e437.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Appel, L. J., Clark, J. M., et al. (2011). Comparative effectiveness of weight-loss interventions in clinical practice. New England Journal of Medicine, 365, 1959–1968.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ascherio, A., & Willett, W. (1997). Health effects of Trans fatty acids. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 66(4), 1006S–1010S.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Barabasi, A. L., Gulbahce, N., et al. (2011). Network medicine: a network-based approach to human disease. Nature Reviews Genetics, 12, 56–68.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bartus, R. T., Dean, R. L, I. I. I., et al. (1982). The cholinergic hypothesis of geriatric memory dysfunction. Science, 217, 408–417.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bauer, J. (2002). Psychobiologie der Alzheimer-Krankheit: Wirklichkeitskonstruktion und Beziehungsgestaltung. Integrierte Medizin: Modell und klinische Praxis. Uexküll, T. v., Geigges, W., & Plassmann, R. Stuttgart, Schattauer, pp. 157–175.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bauer, J., Qualmann, J. et al. (1998). Lebenslaufuntersuchungen bei Alzheimer-Patienten: Qualitative Inhaltsanalyse pämorbider Entwicklungsprozesse. Psychosoziale Gerontologie: Band 2: Intervention. Kruse, A. Göttingen, Hogrefe, pp. 251–274.

    Google Scholar 

  • Braak, H., & Del Tredici, K. (2011). The pathological process underlying Alzheimer’s disease in individuals under thirty. Acta Neuropathologica, 121(2), 171–181.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Braak, H., Thal, D. R., et al. (2011). Stages of the pathologic process in Alzheimer disease: age categories from 1 to 100 years. Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology, 70(11), 960–969. doi:910.1097/NEN.1090b1013e318232a318379.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bremner, J. D., Vythilingam, M., et al. (2004). Effects of glucocorticoids on declarative memory function in major depression. Biological Psychiatry, 55, 811–815.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Clarke, R., Smith, A. D., et al. (1998). Folate, vitamin B12, and serum total homocysteine levels in confirmed Alzheimer disease. Archives of Neurology, 55(11), 1449–1455.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cockerham, W. (2007). New directions in health lifestyle research. International Journal of Public Health, 52(6), 327–328.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cohen, S. (2004). Social relationships and health. American Psychologist, 59(8), 676–684.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cole, G. M., Ma, Q.-L., et al. (2009). Omega-3 fatty acids and dementia. Prostaglandins Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, 81, 213–221.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Coley, N., Andrieu, S., et al. (2008). Dementia prevention: methodological explanations for inconsistent results. Epidemiologic Reviews, 30, 35–66.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Contestabile, A. (2011). The history of the cholinergic hypothesis. Behavioural Brain Research, 221, 334–340.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dangour, A., Whitehouse, P., et al. (2010). B-vitamins and fatty acids in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia: a systematic review. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 22, 205–224.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Daviglus, M. L., Plassman, B. L., et al. (2011). Risk factors and preventive interventions for Alzheimer disease: state of the science. Archives of Neurology, 9, 9.

    Google Scholar 

  • de la Monte, S., & Wands, J. R. (2005). Review of insulin and insulin-like growth factor expression, signaling, and malfunction in the central nervous system: relevance to Alzheimer’s disease. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 7, 45–61.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • de la Monte, S., & Wands, J. R. (2008). Alzheimer’s disease is type 3 diabetes—evidence reviewed. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, 2, 1101–1113.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • De la Torre, J. C. (2011). Thre postulates to help identify the cause of Alzheimer’s disease. Journal of Alzheimers Disease, 24, 657–668.

    Google Scholar 

  • de Lorgeril, M., Salen, P., et al. (2010). Cholesterol lowering, cardiovascular diseases, and the Rusvastatin-JUPITER controversy: a critical reappraisal. Archives of Internal Medicine, 170, 1032–1036.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • del Sol, A., Balling, R., et al. (2010). Diseases as network perturbations. Current Opinion in Biotechnology., 21(4), 566–571.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • den Heijer, T., Vermeer, S., et al. (2003). Homocysteine and brainatrophy on MRI of non-demented elderly. Brain, 126, 170–175.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Devore, E., Grodstein, F., et al. (2010). Dietary antioxidants and long-term risk of dementia. Archives of Neurology, 67(7), 819–825.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dragicevic, N., Smith, A., et al. (2011). Green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and other flavonoids reduce Alzheimer’s amyloid-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Journal of Alzheimers Disease, 26, 507–521.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dubois, R. N., Abramson, S. B., et al. (1998). Cyclooxygenase in biology and disease. FASEB Journal, 12(12), 1063–1073.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ebrahim, S., Taylor, F., et al. (2011). Multiple risk factor interventions for primary prevention of coronary heart disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 19(1), CD001561.

    Google Scholar 

  • Emken, E. (1984). Nutrition and biochemistry of Trans and positional fatty acid isomers in hydrogenated oils. Annual review of nutrition, 339, 339–376.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Farrer, L. A., Cupples, L. A., et al. (1997). Effects of age, sex, and ethnicity on the association between apolipoprotein E genotype and Alzheimer disease. A meta-analysis. JAMA Journal of the American Medical Association, 278, 1349–1356.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Feart, C., Samieri, C., et al. (2009). Adherence to a mediterranean diet, cognitive decline, and risk of dementia. JAMA, 302(6), 638–648.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fjorback, L. O., Arendt, M., et al. (2011). Mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindfulness based cognitive therapy—A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 124(2), 102–119.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fjorback, L. O., & Walach, H. (2012). Meditation based therapies—A systematic review and some critical observations. Religions, 3, 1–18.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Flaten, T. P. (2001). Aluminium as a risk factor in Alzheimer’s disease, with emphasis on drinking water. Brain Research Bulletin, 55(2), 187–196.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fontana, L., & Klein, S. (2007). Aging, adiposity, and calory restriction. Journal of the American Medical Association, 297, 986–994.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fotuhi, M., Mohassel, P., et al. (2009). Fish consumption, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and risk of cognitive decline or Alzheimer disease: a complex association. Nature Clinical Practice Neurology, 5(3), 140–152.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Frederickson, C., Suh, S., et al. (2000). Importance of zinc in the central nervous system: the zinc-containing neuron. Journal of Nutrition, 130(5), 1471S–1483S.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Giddens, A. (1991). Modernity and self-identity: self one society in the late modern age. Oxford: Polity.

    Google Scholar 

  • Graff-Radford, N. R. (2011). Can aerobic exercise protect against dementia? Alzheimer’s Research Therapy, 3(1), 6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Graves, A., Rajaram, L., et al. (1999). Cognitive decline and Japanese culture in a cohort of older Japanese Americans in King County, WA: the Kame Project. The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 54(3), S154–S161.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Grosman, M., & Picot, A. (2009). Facteurs environnementaux impliqués dans la maladie d’Alzheimer. Le mercure dentaire, probable déterminant majeur. Médecine et Longevité, (in print).

    Google Scholar 

  • Grossman, P., Schmidt, S., et al. (2004). Mindfulness based stress reduction and health: a meta-analysis. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 37, 35–43.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grothe, M., Zaborsky, L., et al. (2010). Reduction of basal forebrain cholinergic system parallels cognitive impairment in patients at high risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Cerebral Cortex, 20(7), 1685–1695.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gusnard, D. A., & Raichle, M. E. (2001). Searching for a baseline: functional imaging and the resting human brain. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 2, 685–694.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hains, A. V., & Arnsten, A. F. T. (2008). Molecular mechanisms of stress-induced prefrontal cortical impairment: Implications for mental illness. Learning and Memory, 15, 551–564.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Håkansson, K., Rovio, S., et al. (2009). Association between mid-life marital status and cognitive function in later life: population based cohort study. BMJ British Medical Journal, 339, b2462.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hamer, M., & Chida, Y. (2009). Physical activity and risk of neurodegenerative disease: a systematic review of prospective evidence. Psychological Medicine, 39(01), 3–11.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hasselmo, M. E., & McGuaghy, J. (2004). High acetylcholine levels set circuit dynamics for attention and encoding and low acetylcholine levels set dynamics for consolidation. Progress in Brain Research, 145, 207–230.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hauswirth, C. B., Scheeder, M. R. L., et al. (2004). High omega-3 fatty acid content in alpine cheese: the basis for an Alpine paradox. Circulation, 109, 103–107.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hendrie, H. C., Ogunniyi, A., et al. (2001). Incidence of dementia and Alzheimer disease in 2 communities: Yoruba residing in Ibadan, Nigeria, and African Americans residing in Indianapolis, Indiana. Journal of the American Medical Association, 285(6), 739–747.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hofman, A., de Jong, P. T. V. M., et al. (2006). Epidemiology of neurological diseases in elderly people: what did we learn from the Rotterdam Study? The Lancet Neurology, 5(6), 545–550.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hölzel, B. K., Carmody, J., et al. (2009). Stress reduction correlates with structural changes in the amygdala. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 5(1), 11–17. doi:10/1093/scan/nsp034.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hölzel, B. K., Ott, U., et al. (2007a). Investigation of mindfulness meditation practicioners with voxel-based morphometry. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 3(1), 55–61.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hölzel, B. K., Ott, U., et al. (2007b). Differential engagement of anterior cingulate and adjacent medial frontal cortex in adept meditators and non-meditators. Neuroscience Letters, 421, 16–21.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Howard, R., McShane, R., et al. (2012). Donezepil and memantine for moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 366, 893–903.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hsu, C.-C., Wahlqvist, M. L., et al. (2011). Incidence of dementia is increased in type 2 diabetes and reduced by the use of sulfonylureas and metforming. Journal of Alzheimers Disease, 24, 485–493.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • International, A. S. D. (2010). World Alzheimer Report 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  • Isaac, M., Quinn, R. et al. (2008). Vitamin E for Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (Online) (3), CD002854.

    Google Scholar 

  • Issa, A. M., Mojica, W. A., et al. (2006). The efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids on cognitive function in aging and dementia: a systematic review. Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, 21(2), 88–96.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Janus, C., Pearson, J., et al. (2000). A-beta peptide immunization reduces behavioural impairment and plaques in a model of Alzheimer’s disease. Nature, 408(6815), 979–982.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Johansson, L., Guo, X., et al. (2010). Midlife psychological stress and risk of dementia: a 35 year longitudinal populations study. Brain, 133, 2217–2224.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Karp, A., Kåreholt, I., et al. (2004). Relation of education and occupation-based socioeconomic status to incident Alzheimer’s disease. American Journal of Epidemiology, 159(2), 175–183.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Keng, S.-L., Smoski, M. J., et al. (2011). Effects of mindfulness on psychological health: a review of empirical studies. Clinical Psychology Review, 31, 1041–1056.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kudielka, B. M., & Kirschbaum, C. (2007). Biological bases of the stress response. In M. Al’ Absi (Ed.), Stress and addiction: biological and psychological mechanisms (pp. 3–19). Amsterdam: Elsevier.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Lazar, S., Bush, G., et al. (2000). Functional brain mapping of the relaxation response and meditation. Neuro Report, 11, 1581–1585.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lerman, R. H. (2006). Essential fatty acids. Integrative Medicine, 5(3), 34–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Levenson, C. W., & Axelrad, D. M. (2006). Too much of a good thing? Update on fish consumption and mercury exposure. Nutrition Reviews, 63, 139–145.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Levitan, E. B., Wolk, A., et al. (2009). Fish consumption, marine omega-3 fatty acids, and incidence of heart failure: a population-based prospective study of middle-aged and elderly men. European Heart Journal, 30(12), 1495–1500.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lewis, R. A., Austen, K. F., et al. (1990). Leukotrienes and other products of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway. Biochemistry and relation to pathobiology in human diseases. New England Journal of Medicine, 323(10), 645–655.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lim, W. S., Gammack, J. K., et al. (2006). Omega 3 fatty acid for the prevention of dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 25(1), CD005379.

    Google Scholar 

  • Littarru, G. P., & Langsjoen, P. (2007). Coenzyme Q10 and statins: biochemical and clinical implications. Mitochondrion, 7(1), S168–S174.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Loef, M., Mendoza, L. F., et al. (2011a). Lead (Pb) and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease or cognitive decline: a systematic review. Toxin Reviews, 30(4), 103–114.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Loef, M., Schrauzer, G. N., et al. (2011b). Selenium and Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review. Journal of Alzheimers Disease, 26, 81–104.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Loef, M., von Stillfried, N., et al. (2012). Zinc diet and Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review. Nutritional Neuroscience, 15(5), 2–12.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Loef, M., & Walach, H. (2012a). Copper and iron in Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review and its dietary implications. British Journal of Nutrition, 107, 7–19.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Loef, M., & Walach, H. (2012b). Fatty acids and dementia: systematic review and meta-analyses. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 12(Suppl. 1), P318.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Loef, M., & Walach, H. (2012c). Fruit, vegetables and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review of cohort studies. Journal of Nutr Health Aging, 16(7), 626–630.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Loef, M. & Walach, H. (2012d). Midlife obesity and dementia: meta-analysis and adjusted forecast of dementia prevalence in the US and China. Obesity. doi: 10.1002/oby.20037.

  • Loef, M. and H. Walach (2012e). The effects of physical activity on the risk of dementia: a meta-analysis. In prep.

    Google Scholar 

  • Loef, M., & Walach, H. (2012f). The combined effects of healthy lifestyle behaviors on all cause mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Preventive Medicine, 55, 163–170.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Luchsinger, J. A., & Mayeux, R. (2004). Dietary factors and Alzheimer’s disease. The Lancet Neurology, 3(10), 579–587.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Luengo-Fernandez, R., Leal, J., et al. (2011). Cost of dementia in the pre-enlargement countries of the European Union. Journal of Alzheimers Disease, 27, 187–196.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mangialasche, F., Kivipelto, M., et al. (2012). Dementia prevention: current epidemiological evidence and future perspective. Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, 4(1), 6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mangialasche, F., Solomon, A., et al. (2011). Alzheimer’s disease: clinical trials and drug development. Lancet Neurology, 9, 702–716.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marks, J., Porte, D., et al. (1990). Localization of insulin receptor mRNA in rat brain by in situ hybridization. Endocrinology, 127(6), 3234–3236.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Martin, B., Mattson, M. P., et al. (2006). Caloric restriction and intermittent fasting: two potential diets for successful brain aging. Ageing Research Reviews, 5(3), 332–353.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mason, M. F., Norton, M. I., et al. (2007). Wandering minds: the default network and stimulus-independent thought. Science, 315, 393–395.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McMahon, J. A., Green, T. J., et al. (2006). A controlled trial of homocysteine lowering and cognitive performance. New England Journal of Medicine, 354, 2764–2772.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Metzinger, T. (2006). Der Begriff einer “Bewusstseinskultur. e-Journal Philosophie der Psychologie (Jan).

    Google Scholar 

  • Middleton, L. E., & Yaffe, K. (2010). Targets for the prevention of dementia. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 20(3), 915–924.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Moffett, J. R., Ives, J. A., et al. (2009). Fatty acids and lipids in neurobiology: a brief overview. In R. R. Watson (Ed.), Fatty Acids in Health Promotion and Disease Causation (pp. 517–543). Urbana: AOCS Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morgan, D. (2011). Immunotherapy for Alzheimer’s disease. Journal of Internal Medicine, 269(1), 54–63.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Morris, M. C., Evans, D. A., et al. (2003). Dietary fats and the risk of incident Alzheimer disease. Archives of Neurology, 60(2), 194–200.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mössner, R., Mikova, O., et al. (2007). Consensus paper of the WFSBP task force on biological markers: biological markers in depression. World Journal of Biological Psychiatry, 8(3), 141–174.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mulder, C., Schoonenboom, N. S. M., et al. (2005). The transmethylation cycle in the brain of Alzheimer patients. Neuroscience Letters, 386, 69–71.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mutter, J., Curth, A., et al. (2010). Does inorganic mercury play a role in Alzheimer’s disease? A systematic review and an integrated molecular mechanism. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 22, 357–374.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Neumann, K., Rojo, L., et al. (2008). Insulin resistance and Alzheimer’s disease: molecular links and clinical implications. Current Alzheimer Research, 5, 438–447.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nyakas, C., Granic, I., et al. (2011). The basal forebrain cholinergic system in aging and dementia. Rescuing cholinergic neurons from neurotoxic amyloid b-42 with memantine. Behavioural Brain Research, 221, 594–603.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Orgogozo, J. M., Dartigues, J. F., et al. (1997). Wine consumption and demntia in the elderly: a prospective community study in the Bordeaux area. Revue de Neurologie (Paris), 153, 185–192.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ornish, D. (2009). Mostly plants. American Journal of Cardiology. doi:10.1016/j.amjcard.2009.05.031.

  • Ornish, D., Scherwitz, L. W., et al. (1998). Intensive lifestyle changes for reversal of coronary heart disease. Journal of the American Medical Association, 280, 2001–2007.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ornish, D., Weidner, G., et al. (2005). Intensive lifestyle changes may affect progression of prostate cancer. Journal of Urology, 174, 1065–1070.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ott, U., Hölzel, B. K., et al. (2011). Brain structure and meditation: how spiritual practice shapes the brain. In H. Walach, S. Schmidt, & W. B. Jonas (Eds.), Neuroscience, consciousness and spritiuality (pp. 119–128). Dordrecht: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Oulhaj, A., Refsum, H., et al. (2009). Homocysteine as a predictor of cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 25, 82–90.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pagnoni, G., & Cekic, M. (2007). Age effects on gray matter volume and attentional perfomance in Zen meditation. Neurobiology of Aging, 28, 1623–1627.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pagnoni, G., Cekic, M., et al. (2008). “Thinking about not-thinking”: Neural correlates of conceptual processing during Zen meditation. PLoS ONE, 3(9), e3083.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Penston, J. (2003). Fiction and fantasy in medical research: the large-scale randomised trial. London: The London Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Peters, R., Poulter, R., et al. (2008). Smoking, dementia and cognitive decline in the elderly, a systematic review. BMC Geriatrics, 8(1), 36.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pincus, D., & Metten, A. (2010). Nonlinear dynamics in biopsychosocial resilience. Nonlinear Dynamics, Psychology, and Life Sciences, 14, 353–380.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pütz, P. (2008). Hypercortisolemic disorders. In: Hellhammer DH, Hellhammer J (eds) Stress: The Brain-Body Connection. Basel, Karger: 39-59.

    Google Scholar 

  • Raichle, M. E., Marcus, E., et al. (2001). A default mode of brain funtion. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science USA, 98, 676–682.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Roberson, E. D., & Mucke, L. (2006). 100 years and counting: Prospects for defeating Alzheimer’s disease. Science, 314, 781–784.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Roll, S., Nocon, M. et al. (2010). Reduction of common cold symptoms by encapsulated juice powder concentrate of fruits and vegetables: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. British Journal of Nutrition. doi:10.1017/S000711451000317X: 1–5.

  • Rusanen, M., Kivipelto, M., et al. (2011). Heavy smoking in midlife and long-term risk of Alzheimer disease and vascular dementia. Archives of Internal Medicine, 171(4), 333–339.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Saczynski, J. S., Pfeifer, L. A., et al. (2006). The effect of social engagement on incident Dementia. American Journal of Epidemiology, 163(5), 433–440.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Scarmeas, N., Stern, Y., et al. (2009). Mediterranean diet and mild cognitive impairment. Archives of Neurology, 66(2), 216–225.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schliebs, R., & Arendt, T. (2011). The cholinergic system in aging and neuronal degeneration. Behavioural Brain Research, 221, 555–563.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schmitz, G., & Ecker, J. (2008). The opposing effects of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids. Progress in Lipid Research, 47(2), 147–155.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sedlmeier, P., Eberth, J., et al. (2012). The psychological effects of meditation: a meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 138(6), 1139–1171.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shaw, K., Gennat, H., et al. (2006). Exercise for overweight or obesity. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 18(4), CD003817.

    Google Scholar 

  • Siervo, M., Arnold, R., et al. (2011). Intentional weight loss in overweight and obese individuals and cognitive function: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Obesity Reviews, 12, 968–983.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Simopoulos, A. (2006). Evolutionary aspects of diet, the omega-6/omega-3 ratio and genetic variation: nutritional implications for chronic diseases. Food Technology, 60, 502–507.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Simopoulos, A. P. (1991). Omega-3 fatty acids in health and disease and in growth and development. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 54(3), 438–463.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Simopoulos, A. P. (2011). Evolutionary aspects of diet: the Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio and the brain. Molecular Neurobiology, 29, 29.

    Google Scholar 

  • Simopoulos, A. P., Norman, H. A., et al. (1992). Common purslane: a source of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 11(4), 374–382.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sinha, R., Cross, A. J., et al. (2009). Meat intake and mortality: a prospective study of over half a million people. Archives of Internal Medicine, 169, 562–571.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Smallwood, J., & Schooler, J. W. (2006). The restless mind. Psychological Bulletin, 132, 946–958.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Snowdon, D. A. (1997). Aging and Alzheimer’s disease: lessons from the nun study. The Gerontologist, 37(2), 150–156.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sontag, E., Nunbhakdi-Craig, V., et al. (2007). Protein phosphatase 2A mathyltransferase links homocysteine metabolis with tau and amyloid precursor protein regulation. Journal of Neuroscience, 27, 2751–2759.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tabet, N., Birks, J. et al. (2008). Vitamin E for Alzheimer’s disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (4):CD002854.

    Google Scholar 

  • Teipel, S. J., Flatz, W. H., et al. (2005). Measurement of basal forebrain atrophy in Alzheimer’s disease using MRI. Brain, 128, 2626–2644.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, D. E., Elliott, E. J., et al. (2006). Exercise for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 3(3), CD002968.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thompson, P. D., Buchner, D., et al. (2003). Exercise and physical activity in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, 23(8), e42–e49.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Trialist-Collaboration, H.-L. (2005). Dose dependent effects of folic acid on blood concentration of homocysteine: a meta-analysis of the randomized trials. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 82, 806–812.

    Google Scholar 

  • van Dam, F., & van Gool, W. A. (2009). Hyperhomocysteinemia and Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 48, 425–430.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • van Praag, H. M., de Kloet, R., et al. (2004). Stress, the brain, and depression. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Warburton, D. E. R., Nicol, C. W., et al. (2006). Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 174(6), 801–809.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, Y. C., McPherson, K., et al. (2011). Health and economic burden of the projected obesity trends in the USA and the UK. Lancet, 378(9793), 815–825.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Whalley, L. J., Dick, F. D., et al. (2006). A life-course approach to the aetiology of late-onset dementias. The Lancet Neurology, 5(1), 87–96.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • WHO. (2011). Global recommendations on physical activity for health. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/pa/en/index.html. Accessed 02 Aug 2011.

  • Wisdom, N. M., Callahan, J. L., et al. (2009). The effects of apolipoprotein E on non-impaired cognitive functioniong: a meta-analysis. Neurobiology of Aging, 32, 63–74.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Witte, A. V., Fobker, M., et al. (2009). Caloric restriction improves memory in elderly humans. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 106(4), 1255–1260.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Woodward, M. (2007). Dementia risk reduction: the evidence. Alzheimer’s Australia Paper 13.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zatta, P., Drago, D., et al. (2009). Alzheimer’s disease, metal ions and metal homeostatic therapy. Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, 30(7), 346–355.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This work is supported by the Samueli Institute’s Brain, Mind and Healing Program, whose European operations HW is coordinating. ML has been supported by the Samueli Institute and the Hans Gottschalk-Stiftung.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Transcultural Health Studies and Samueli Institute, European Office, European University Viadrina, Grosse Scharrnstr 59, 15230, Frankfurt (Oder), Germany

    Harald Walach & Martin Loef

Authors
  1. Harald Walach
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Martin Loef
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Harald Walach .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, University Avenue West 200, Waterloo, N2L 3G1, Ontario, Canada

    Peter A. Hall

Highlights

Highlights

  • Alzheimer’s Disease, and indeed dementias, are complex diseases with no single causal mechanism that might serve as a therapeutic target. They start much earlier in life before any clinical sign are visible.

  • This makes lifestyle, behavioral, as well as environmental factors potential multiple causes and possible access routes to public health measures, prevention, and perhaps also treatment at early stages.

  • Among the most important factors are the avoidance of neurotoxins such as aluminum, mercury, lead; the provision with essential nutrients such as selenium, antioxidants, and a good balance of omega-3 to omega-6 essential fatty acids of 1:4 to 1:1; reduction in calorie intake; exercise; a culture of consciousness, such as meditation and active stress reduction techniques; participatory social structures.

  • Important public health measures could be redistributing research efforts into studying how lifestyle, as an expression of lived individuality, could be molded through education and coaching to become more wholesome, and how such lifestyle decisions might impact on future prevalence of disease. Public education measures should provide the necessary information.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Walach, H., Loef, M. (2013). Alzheimer’s Dementia and Lifestyle: Towards a Primary Prevention. In: Hall, P. (eds) Social Neuroscience and Public Health. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6852-3_12

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6852-3_12

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-6851-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-6852-3

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation