Seniors worry about Alzheimer's disease

Many older people are afraid of Alzheimer's

A recent survey has shown that well over half of over-70s in Germany are afraid of Alzheimer's disease. The disease is not curable, but a healthy lifestyle can prevent it.

More and more dementia patients

According to the German Alzheimer's Association, almost 1.6 million people with dementia currently live in Germany. Two-thirds of them are affected by Alzheimer's disease. However, it has been evident for years that the number of dementia patients continues to rise. It is therefore not surprising that the fear of the neurodegenerative disease is great. According to a recent survey, more than one in two 70-year-olds is afraid of Alzheimer's disease.

According to a recent survey, more than half of people over the age of 70 are concerned about Alzheimer's disease. There are ways to prevent the neurodegenerative disease. (Image: Ocskay Bence / fotolia.com)

Anxiety in women significantly larger

As you grow older, your anxiety about getting Alzheimer's increases. This was the result of a representative survey commissioned by the non-profit Alzheimer Research Initiative e.V. (AFI).

Accordingly, of the over 70-year-olds, a total of 61 percent fear such a disease. In the total population it is still 40 percent, among the under-30s only 14 percent.

While men (33 percent) are less worried about Alzheimer's disease, this figure is much higher among women (47 percent).

Fear of Alzheimer's disease is much more pronounced in people with Alzheimer's disease, 58 percent than in the general population.

Risk factors for Alzheimer's

Last year, an international research team reported nine identified risk factors for dementia:

These include hearing loss in middle age, lack of education in adolescence, smoking, depression, physical inactivity, social isolation, high blood pressure, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

However, even more factors are known that can benefit Alzheimer's. High alcohol consumption, for example, or even minor injuries to the brain.

Even prolonged sitting promotes dementia, as scientists from the University of California recently reported.

And also fine dust can cause Alzheimer's.

Preventing dementia

Dementia is not curable yet, but according to health experts, it is possible to prevent Alzheimer's disease by taking certain measures.

The AFI gives five recommendations for healthy aging in the brochure "Preventing Alzheimer's: Healthy Living - Healthy Aging".

The experts advise to keep the brain fit through mental training, to eat healthily, to socialize, to medically protect against risk factors and to move sufficiently.

That sport can provide protection against dementia has also been shown in scientific studies.

For example, researchers from Sweden recently reported on a study that effectively protects physical fitness from dementia. (Ad)