Question: Both my mother and aunt have died from Alzheimer’s. I am 74 and have no obvious symptoms but I do worry. Should I be concerned?

Answer: According to the Mayo Clinic, increasing age is the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s. Although Alzheimer’s is not synonymous with aging, the risk of developing this disease increases after age 65. In America, almost half of people older than 85 have Alzheimer’s.

Some research has shown that the chance of developing Alzheimer’s is higher if a parent or sibling has the disease. Rare mutations in some genes appear to greatly increase the possibility that a person who inherits them will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s – yet these changes are present in less than 5 percent of all documented cases. Early-onset Alzheimer’s (symptoms appear before age 65) appears to run in families, however.

Along with age, gender is another factor. Women are considered more likely than men to develop Alzheimer’s, but this is related to the fact that a woman’s life expectancy is longer.

The increase in research on Alzheimer’s disease has produced volumes of material. In the past, we have been told there is little that can be done to prevent this disease. Now, some doctors and scientists are reaching different conclusions. Deborah Barnes, PhD, a mental health researcher at the San Francisco VA Medical Center, led a study which determined that over half of all Alzheimer’s disease cases may be prevented through lifestyle changes and treatment or prevention of chronic medical conditions. The study Barnes led analyzed data from hundreds of thousands of participants around the world. In America, she found the primary risk factors that can be modified are: low education, smoking, physical inactivity, depression, mid-life hypertension, diabetes and mid-life obesity. She notes that up to 54 percent of Alzheimer’s cases in our country involve these risk factors.

Many other sources are jumping on this bandwagon, asserting that even though research has not yet determined a definitive cause – often considered a combination of genes, environment and lifestyle – pursuing a healthier lifestyle may be the best prevention. This theory is also supported by research that suggests Alzheimer’s is related to physical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

Lifestyle changes that are recommended for their possible role in preventing Alzheimer’s include regular physical exercise, a healthy diet, a fulfilling social life, challenging mental activities, and cessation of smoking. The best thing about following these guidelines is they will have many positive results without any negative side effects.

Some people have suggested that using aluminum pans for cooking or drinking from aluminum cans are a risk factor for Alzheimer’s. Others claim it is caused by the artificial sweetener aspartame. Even silver dental fillings have been blamed, along with flu shots. Research suggests that all of these claims all false.

Even though your chances for developing Alzheimer’s may be higher because of your family medical history, I would suggest that you do not worry about the possibility. Instead, pursue a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle and enjoy each day you are given. For good measure, memorize today’s Caring Quote.

Caring Quote:“Worrying is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength – carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” ― Corrie ten Boom