Commentary
Nothing drains America’s cognitive strength more than Alzheimer’s disease. This progressive, fatal condition starves the brain of vital energy and prevents the formation of new memories as the mind, body, and spirit fade away. With over seven million Americans affected, and millions more undiagnosed, Alzheimer’s is a huge driver of health care costs and an urgent public health problem.
Recent research has focused on amyloid protein plaques that build up in the brain, leading the FDA to approve two anti-amyloid medicines. We are also learning, however, that the disease is far more complex. If we hope to defeat Alzheimer’s, we need an all-of-the-above approach guided by wherever gold-standard science takes us.
Fortunately, new research is lighting the path to solutions. Scientists are making progress towards preventing this dreaded disease, and treatment options are improving. As physicians, we have never been more optimistic that millions of people take steps today to lower their risk for Alzheimer’s. With concerted action, the Trump administration can improve care for millions of people and preserve America’s cognitive strength for generations to come.Lifestyle choices have a powerful impact on preventing brain disease. Low-inflammation diets, regular exercise, quality sleep, mental exercises, and nutritional supplements can help preserve brain health and prevent the development of neurological diseases. An ongoing international study is showing how a combination of healthy lifestyle choices among older adults at risk for cognitive decline can measurably improve cognition over two years.