by KYW’s medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough

Researchers looking at dementia in the elderly have noticed that there are definite connections between dementia and uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
 
Obviously, there is significant research that shows other factors are at play when it comes to confirmed Alzheimer’s cases.

Dramatic anatomic changes can occur in the brain and these are the ones proven in autopsy. But many people who age with dementia never have autopsies and it’s important to mention there are many types of dementia that can be confused with Alzheimer’s.
 
The key point here is that certain lifestyle issues can affect our body. They can affect our blood vessels and the flow of oxygen throughout the body. They can have an impact. Dementia will never be a condition that we look at with one treatment.

It’s going to be several treatments. One of your best defenses might be a healthy lifestyle.