Alzheimer’s affects an estimated 24 million people worldwide, according to Alzheimer's Disease International. It predominantly affects the elderly: 1 in 20 people over the age of 65 have Alzheimer’s, and that figure rises to as many as 1 in every 2 over the age of 85. While it is comparatively rare, dementia can affect younger people too. There are over 18,000 people under the age of 65 with dementia in the UK.

The greatest risk factors are increasing age (your risk of developing Alzheimer’s doubles every five years after 65), a family history of the disease and being a woman; there are almost twice as many women with Alzheimer’s than men.

People with Down's Syndrome also have an increased genetic risk of developing dementia.

Preventing Alzheimer’s

Growing evidence suggests that making certain positive lifestyle choices may improve your brain health and cut your risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease in later life.

• Keep your heart healthy – strokes, heart disease and high blood pressure all affect blood flow to the brain and are risk factors for Alzheimer’s
• Eat a healthy diet – stick to low fat, low cholesterol foods to keep heart disease at bay, and munch on lots of dark fruits and veggies to up brain-boosting antioxidants. Several studies have found that eating a healthy Mediterranean diet prevents Alzheimer’s
• Keep fit and active – a healthy body ensures a healthy mind, literally: you’ll boost nourishing blood flow to the brain
• Make sure you stay mentally alert – strengthen brain cells with stimulating activities such as puzzle solving or fixing things
• Stay social – you’ll reduce stress, keep yourself stimulated and ensure good general mental health

Treatment Options

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, but new treatments are on the horizon. There are existing medications that temporarily delay or slow down memory decline, but none that can stop cell degeneration completely.

Alzheimer’s has a major impact on those who help care for an affected person. Seventy percent of people with Alzheimer’s live at home, where family and friends provide most of their care. As the disease progresses, it places physical, emotional and financial stress on caregivers as they assume growing responsibilities that may include meeting physical needs, managing daily routines and making important medical and legal decisions. Research has shown that effective care and support can improve quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s as well as their caregivers.

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