It’s not just genetic aspects and increasing age that promote the disease. Which risk factors can be positively influenced.
Fulda – Alzheimer’s is not a disease that only affects older people. There are also cases under 50 or even under 40 years of age. Women are affected more often than men, accounting for two-thirds of cases. The reasons for this are gender-specific genes and longer life expectancy. Increasing age is considered a key factor that increases the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s. Both are primary risk factors.
External influences during sleep could contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease
But lifestyle and certain underlying diseases as secondary influencing factors also play a decisive role: regular alcohol consumption, smoking and untreated diseases such as diabeteshigh blood pressure and obesity can significantly increase the risk of neurological brain damage.
American researchers have now been able to detect another possible risk factor that is said to have an impact on those affected who develop Alzheimer’s before the age of 65. writes 24vita.de.
Prevent dementia: avoid controllable risks
Reducing secondary risk factors could reduce the likelihood of dementia by up to 40 percent and slow cognitive decline, according to the results of a study study can be closed.
As part of one study at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago (USA) under the direction of Professor Robin Voigt-Zuwala, scientists discovered a connection between outdoor light at night and the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
The researchers focused on 48 states and territories with a high proportion of artificial light in outdoor areas (known in America as so-called “light pollution”), took into account medical data related to risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and divided the five groups according to light intensity.
In all groups it was shown that higher nighttime light intensity is associated with the increased occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease – especially in those affected under the age of 65. This could indicate that younger people may be more sensitive to the effects of light exposure during sleep.
“Certain genes can influence the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease, and the same genes can lead to increased susceptibility to the effects of nighttime light exposure,” said Professor Voigt-Zuwala about the findings. “In addition, younger people are more likely to live in urban areas and have a lifestyle that may be more exposed to light at night,” adds the professor and leader of the study. The researchers did not examine the nighttime light inside the house and possible effects on health.
The research results provide significant evidence that nighttime light influences are associated with… increased risk of developing diseases such as Alzheimer’s stand. However, further research is needed to better understand the connection.
Reduce risk of dementia: reduce exposure to light
Basically, exposure to light from outside influences the human body’s natural sleep-wake rhythm, which is known as the so-called circadian rhythm. Exposure to light at night can disrupt a person’s circadian rhythm in a way that can increase inflammation and make a person less resilient and more susceptible to disease.
However, Professor Voigt-Zuwala makes a clear recommendation: “The good news is that with minimal effort, simple changes can be made to reduce light exposure at night – installing blackout curtains or sleeping with an eye mask.”
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.