A group of Indiana researchers is finding evidence that better treatment of cardiovascular disease could reduce the chance of a person developing Alzheimer’s.
Researchers at Indiana University and the Regenstrief Institute in Indianapolis compared the rates of Alzheimer’s in Nigerians and African Americans over 20 years.
In 1991, African Americans were twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s as their Nigerian counterparts. Researchers attributed the disparity to genetics.
But 20 years later, the two groups experienced nearly the same rate of Alzheimer’s disease.
Regenstrief Institute scientist Hugh Hendrie says the genetics hadn’t changed, but African Americans were getting better healthcare for diabetes, hypertension and strokes.
"So we’re speculating, and it’s only speculation, that the reason for the differences in the rates is because of the better treatment of these potentially dementia related conditions," Hendrie says.
Hendrie and his counterparts are working to secure another grant that will allow them to confirm that treatment for cardiovascular diseases can cut down on the prevalence of Alzheimer’s.