13 common illnesses that have been linked to Alzheimer's

This common blood disorder is defined by a decline in red blood cells. These cells transport oxygen, which is why a common symptom is persistent fatigue. Other symptoms include weakness, shortness of breath and cold hands and feet. Some studies have found a connection between anaemia and an increased risk of dementia in older adults. One of the most common causes of anaemia is an iron deficiency, which can result from a poor diet; it may also be a side effect of certain medications.

The concern is that by depriving the brain of oxygen, anaemia could lead to the type of damage seen in people with Alzheimer’s. The results of one 11-year study involving more than 2,500 people ages 70-79 revealed that those with anaemia had a 40 percent increased risk of developing dementia than people who didn’t have anaemia. You should also be aware of these obvious signs of dementia that are so easy to miss.

“There’s quite a lot of evidence that for people who are destined to develop Alzheimer’s dementia, sometimes the first thing you see is depression or anxiety,” explains Pierre Tariot, MD, director of the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute in Arizona, USA. However, scientists say that these mood disorders may not be just a symptom of Alzheimer’s – they may actually be risk factors for developing the disease. Because depression and anxiety can elevate levels of the stress hormone cortisol, one theory is that chronically high levels of cortisol can damage the brain.

Interestingly, antidepressant drugs are being researched as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s. “Certain antidepressants have anti-amyloid [a protein associated with Alzheimer’s] properties with enough credibility that there are two trials of antidepressants that aim to find out if we can derail the Alzheimer’s process with these drugs,” Dr. Tariot says. For sufferers of depression, here are 10 surprising ways to be happier without really trying.

The link between diabetes and Alzheimer’s is fairly strong. “Diabetes is probably a risk factor for multiple reasons,” says Dr. Tariot. “Top of the list is that the disease leads to abnormal inflammatory responses in multiple organs – including the brain. Another reason is that the insulin-signalling pathway is also one of the pathways involved in the breakdown of amyloid. Finally, diabetes contributes to cerebrovascular disease [conditions that raise the risk of stroke], which is a significant factor for Alzheimer’s.”

Nearly 371 million people worldwide are affected by diabetes, and an estimated 54 million more have prediabetes, according to the International Diabetes Association. But the disease can be controlled with diet and lifestyle changes, and medication when necessary, to lower the risk. A great start is to try these 15 superfoods for diabetics in order to lower blood sugar, burn fat, reduce inflammation and gain more health benefits.

“The genetics are similar in Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s,” explains Elise Caccappolo, PhD, associate professor of neuropsychology at Columbia University Medical Center. “If people with Down syndrome grow old enough, they will develop Alzheimer’s.”

The genetic mutation that triggers the syndrome also causes amyloid plaques – 1a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease – to build up in the brain over time.

Interestingly, a study at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine discovered these effects of red wine on mice with Alzheimer’s-type brain changes.

Gingivitis and periodontitis – gum disease – indicate the buildup of harmful bacteria in your mouth, and they’re mobile: “These bacteria can travel to the heart and brain and can cause inflammation,” explains Rudolph Tanzi, PhD, a neurology professor at Harvard University and director of Massachusetts General Hospital’s Genetics and Aging Research Unit.

Gum disease is extremely common. Fortunately, it’s also easy to prevent (and treat). “Be religious about flossing your teeth,” says Tanzi. And get regular teeth cleanings and check-ups every six months. Check out these 6 quick tips for keeping your teeth pearly white.

Hearing loss doesn’t appear to cause the physical brain changes that are characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease, but it may be responsible for – and accelerate – dementia, which could make Alzheimer’s symptoms even more severe. “Any significant sensory impairment is almost certainly going to magnify or exaggerate the consequences of any cognitive impairment,” Dr. Tariot explains.
One concern is that if someone’s hearing has been bad or failing for years, it could harm that person’s brain, he says. An 18-year study led by researchers at Johns Hopkins University and the National Institute on Aging found that the worse someone’s hearing loss was, the more likely they were to develop dementia.

Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent and overcome hearing loss so you’ll be able to enjoy conversation, music and all the sounds you love for years to come.

Scientists are researching the connection between certain types of chronic infections, such as herpes, and Alzheimer’s disease. These researchers believe that the infections may accelerate the damage of Alzheimer’s by triggering chronic inflammation. While experts once thought the amyloid plaques found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease were junk, they now theorise that the plaque may be the body’s protective response to infection. The more plaques the body produces – by repeated herpes outbreaks, for example – the greater a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s later in life.

“At age 50, 90 percent of the population carries HHVI, the herpes cold-sore virus,” says Tanzi. “If you get a cold sore now and then, don’t panic. But if you’re one of those people who get a cold sore every month or even more frequently, you might want to seek medical attention for antiviral drugs or other therapy.”

Eventually, scientists hope to develop vaccines and drugs to fight these viruses and infections more effectively.

“Anything related to blood flow, including high blood pressure – in fact, anything you would see a cardiologist about – can be a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease,” says Caccappolo. That’s because cardiovascular disease can compromise the brain’s blood supply. High blood pressure may damage the small blood vessels that supply brain cells with oxygen. New research also indicates that older people whose blood pressure runs higher on average than their peers’ are more likely to develop tangles and plaques in their brains, both of which are markers of Alzheimer’s disease.

Be sure to get your blood pressure checked regularly: your doctor can recommend lifestyle changes and medications that are excellent in helping to reduce your numbers.

Having an underactive thyroid gland – older women have the highest risk – may not cause Alzheimer’s disease, but it can lead to memory problems that may accelerate the symptoms of dementia. Common symptoms of thyroid trouble are fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and sensitivity to cold. Treatment works, so don’t hesitate to see your doctor about any worrisome symptoms – especially any of these 9 silent signs of a thyroid problem.

An estimated one-third of the world’s population is now overweight or obese, and the excess weight is a risk factor for diabetes, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems – all of which increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive problems.

“If you’re overweight, not physically active and you have the gene that predisposes you to Alzheimer’s, you’re going to have a higher probability of developing it,” says Stephen Rao, PhD, a neuropsychologist at Cleveland Clinic’s Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. Increasing physical activity and losing even a relatively small amount of weight can help reduce your risk factors. Try any of these month-long weight-loss challenges to get you started.