A recent study published in the July 2005 issue of The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society indicates that higher IQ scores and a more active lifestyle, even as early as high school, could reduce the chances of developing Alzheimer's in later life.
Luckily, the study shows that a high IQ and an active lifestyle can help reduce the risk independent of each other. If you are smart, you don't necessarily also have to be an athlete. If you are athletic, you don't necessarily also have to be smart.
The study's lead author, Thomas Fritsch, Ph.D. also adds the following:
"Our findings confirm that markers for dementia risk can be found early in life. However, while our research implicates a role for IQ and activity level in youth, many other factors, alone or in combination, also influence who will and will not develop dementia. As we know, some very bright and active people develop dementia, while others who are less gifted and who were inactive as teenagers, do not. This indicates that the causes of dementia are complex and are determined by a host of factors."
I appreciate honesty like that. So much is learned from these studies but they are just steps in the journey. There is a long way to go yet and a lot to learn.
Links:
High School Achievers Less Likely to Develop Alzheimer's Disease - MedPageToday.com
Study Links Adolescent IQ, Activity Levels With Risk Of Dementia - ScienceDaily.com
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