Recent data from the Alzheimer’s Association reports that 1 in 9 people age 65 or older has Alzheimer’s. Over 7 million Americans have Alzheimer’s with the number expected to rise to 13 million by 2050.
With the prevalence of Alzheimer’s increasing, many patients are curious about what they can do to lower their Alzheimer’s risk.
A note on Alzheimer’s vs dementia: Frequently, the terms Alzheimer’s and dementia are used interchangeably. It’s important to note that dementia is a general term, whereas Alzheimer’s is a specific disease, accounting for 60-80% of all dementia cases. Dementia generally refers to a decline in memory or thinking skills.
Can Alzheimer’s Be Prevented?
At this time, there is no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers do not yet have a single proven strategy that works for everyone, but there is growing evidence that certain lifestyle choices may lower the risk or delay the onset of symptoms.
Studies have suggested that the following could play a role in decreasing the risk of Alzheimer’s:
- Maintaining a healthy blood pressure and cardiovascular health
- Staying mentally active
- Treating conditions like diabetes
Like many diseases, the earlier it is diagnosed, the more opportunities a patient has to slow the development of Alzheimer’s.
How Blood Pressure Affects Alzheimer’s Risk
High blood pressure is one of the most common risk factors for Alzheimer’s.
Having hypertension (the diagnosis for high blood pressure) can damage blood vessels in the brain and reduce the circulation needed for healthy brain function. Studies have shown that people who manage their blood pressure, whether through lifestyle changes or medications, may reduce their Alzheimer’s risk.
Your provider can help you manage your blood pressure with regular check-ups, encouraging you to stay active, eat a balanced diet low in salt, and follow a care plan if necessary.
Can Poor Hearing Affect Alzheimer’s Risk?
Staying mentally and socially engaged is a significant factor in reducing your risk of Alzheimer’s. But patients who experience hearing loss will often shy away from social activities, as it becomes difficult to engage with others when hearing is difficult.
Patients who do not treat their hearing loss are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those who use hearing aids.
Fortunately, hearing is one of the risk factors of Alzheimer’s that we can control. Getting a hearing test when problems arise, wearing hearing aids when needed, and staying socially connected can all help protect memory and thinking abilities. Addressing hearing issues early may not only improve quality of life but also support long-term brain health.
A similar connection can be seen with vision loss.
What Hobbies Can Decrease the Risk of Alzheimer’s?
Hobbies that challenge the brain or encourage creativity can be helpful in lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s. A 2025 paper from staff at UCLA highlights how curiosity and an interest in trying new things, particularly later in life, can be beneficial to the health of the brain.
It is difficult to specify exact benefits for any given hobby or exercise and its effect on Alzheimer’s.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association:
“It is unlikely that some prevention or risk management strategies will ever be tested in randomized trials for ethical or practical reasons. One example is exercise. Definitely testing the impact of exercise on Alzheimer’s risk would require a huge trial enrolling thousands of people and following them for many years. The expense and logistics of such a trial would be prohibitive, and it would require some people to go without exercise, a known health benefit.” (full article)
Is There Any Medication for Alzheimer’s?
Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, several medications are available that can temporarily improve symptoms such as memory, thinking, and daily functioning.
The earlier patients recognize the signs of Alzheimer’s and talk to their providers, the more likely medication can help manage symptoms.
What This Means for You
While we cannot completely prevent Alzheimer’s, research shows lifestyle choices can make a difference. Controlling blood pressure, getting your hearing checked, staying active in body and mind are all practical steps you can take. By taking action early and maintaining healthy habits, you can support your brain and overall well-being for years to come.
If you are a caregiver of someone with Alzheimer’s, consider attending Integracare’s monthly Alzheimer’s support group – learn more here.
