About one-third of Alzheimer’s disease cases are preventable, according to research by the University of Cambridge, England.

The study identifies seven risk factors, with lack of exercise topping the list.

A previous study published in 2011 suggested as many as half of cases of Alzheimer’s disease could be prevented, but the researchers of the new study say these earlier findings are likely to be less accurate because they did not take into account overlapping risk factors.

Number of Cases Climbing

Current estimates suggest that by 2050, more than 106.2 million people worldwide will be living with Alzheimer’s — a huge increase from the 30.8 million people affected by the disease in 2010.

Researchers analyzed population-based data to work out the seven top risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease. These are:

1. Lack of exercise
2. Diabetes
3. High blood pressure in middle age
4. Obesity in middle age
5. Depression
6. Smoking
7. Low education

The team then looked at how reducing each of these factors would cut the number of cases of the disease.

See the results [HERE].

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