In a recent Huffington Post article, scientists linked brain inflammation to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
One of the main findings showed that an overactive immune system could lead to chronic inflammation, which previous research had linked to Alzheimer’s.
These new findings makes it increasingly apparent that inflammation is not a result of Alzheimer’s as much as a key driver of the disease.
Experts agree that in the vast majority of cases, Alzheimer’s disease probably develops as a result of complex interactions among multiple factors, including age, genetics, environment, lifestyle, and coexisting medical conditions.
Although some risk factors, such as age or genes, cannot be changed, other risk factors like high blood pressure and lack of exercise can usually be changed to help reduce risk. Future research in these areas may lead to new ways to detect those at highest risk.
Learn more about recent Alzheimer’s research here.
If you would like to learn more about Alzheimer’s and dementia care in Whatcom County, please contact CHCC’s social services department or visit our resources page for dementia care tips and other resources.