Study: Lifestyle Changes Can Reduce Dementia Risk

A new study is casting doubt on the theory that there's little people can do to halt the development of Alzheimer's disease if they're genetically predisposed to it.

Researchers found that while 60% of an individual's risk of developing Alzheimer's is genetic, the rest of the risk might be due to changeable lifestyle factors. Specifically, high blood pressure, clogged arteries and pro-inflammatory cytokines were cited as potentially contributing to Alzheimer's development.

As one of the researchers put it, "It is important to realize that early interventions could prevent late-onset Alzheimer's disease."

The study was published in the November 2009 issue of Archives of General Psychiatry.