There is nothing that can be done to reduce an individuals probability of getting Alzheimer's

Question

In an article written by The New York Times, there are discussions on whether walking just a few thousand steps a day can significantly slow cognitive decline in older adults who are at higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease. A new study published in Nature Medicine found that getting between 3,000 and 5,000 steps daily provided clear benefits, with the positive effects peaking around 5,000 to 7,500 steps. These findings reinforce the strong link between physical activity and reduced dementia risk. 

Researchers followed nearly 300 adults ages 50 to 90 for about nine years, tracking their activity and studying markers related to Alzheimer’s, such as amyloid-beta and tau proteins. The study suggests that exercise may influence how these proteins accumulate in the brain, which is important because their buildup is associated with cognitive decline. Even moderate daily movement appeared especially helpful for people who already had higher levels of amyloid, a group that is more vulnerable to faster disease progression.

Experts interviewed in the article emphasize that exercise boosts blood flow to the brain, reduces inflammation, and supports overall brain health—tools that likely protect against dementia. While the study is in the works and has limitations, such as a limited and mostly similar sample, its findings are consistent with other research showing that daily activity can significantly support healthy aging. Scientists note that even small increases in movement can offer protection for those at greatest risk.

Answer 1

No, it is not true that there is nothing than can be done to reduce an individual's probability of getting Alzheimer's disease. Based on the research found the on the Alzheimer's Association website (https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research_progress/prevention?utm_source=google-grant&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=google_grant&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=42054366&gbraid=0AAAAAD14_NgNl9gtk9FNHD3qWaQuwbifp&gclid=CjwKCAiAs4HMBhBJEiwACrfNZcDIncqOSmZME8DBlgYRh2JTz7TvDJJwvF0aEiuVq8n55GjVxIjzwBoCBNQQAvD_BwE), researchers say there is no guaranteed way to prevent the disease, but there is evidence that shows that certain lifestyle choices may help lower the risk of developing it. Regular physical activity, a heart healthy diet, maintaining good cardiovascular health, social engagement, and mental stimulation are all linked to reducing the risk of Alzheimer's and other cognitive decline issues.

Comments

Nice work on your fact-check. It's also important to note the disconnect between the claim and the claim title. The claim says that there's nothing that can be done to reduce Alzheimer's, while the claim post says otherwise via the NYT article. It's a little confusing, but you addressed the title well. Thanks!

Answer 2

The claim that nothing can be done to reduce and individuals likelihood of getting alzheimer's is are not entirely accurate. According to the government website: National Institute on Aging found that clinical trials showed that there was "evidence for three types of interventions: blood pressure management in people with high blood pressure, increased physical activity, and cognitive training". While the results of the trial were inconclusive meaning there is no guarantee that that these things will prevent the disease but may lower your risk of developing it. The CDC found the same thing that there are steps you can take to potentially  lower your risk but no for sure way to prevent it. 

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/preventing-alzheimers-disease-what-do-we-know

https://www.cdc.gov/alzheimers-dementia/prevention/index.html

Answer 3

It is not true that nothing can be done to lower your risk of Alzheimer's or other dementias. The CDC states that nearly 45% of dementia cases may be prevented or delayed by adopting healthy lifestyle habits. These include staying physically active, managing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, treating hearing loss, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol use, all of which can help maintain brain health and reduce risk.

https://www.cdc.gov/alzheimers-dementia/prevention/index.html

Answer 4

It is not true that absolutely nothing can be done to help protect from Alzheimer's disease. though there has not been a specific method that is sure to completely protect people from it, there are ways to utilize your body and create a better internal environment. Many sources offer suggestions such as exercise, a healthy diet, healthy habits, and so on. This can go for many other mental diseases and illnesses as well. There is no "cure" when it comes to many of these things, but it is wrong to assume that nothing can be done about it. 

Sources:

https://novoslabs.co/14-tips-to-reduce-your-risk-of-dementia-and-alzheimer-disease/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=WITHIN_Non-Brand_Search_Conversion_Blog-DSA_EVG&utm_content=&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23075063228&gbraid=0AAAAABymqxpmO-c0ZQSJuOBpizIsoOeoR&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-YvMBhDtARIsAHZuUzK-fZeLWEs4Cd5XsgKe2oZFP6Rfim5SD7EjNFVeQv7wuu12J0p_VRIaAj0gEALw_wcB

Answer 5

This claim is exaggerated as there have been several studies conducted in order to determine if there is a way to reduce the probability of developing Alzheimer's. This article from The National Institute of Aging opens by saying, "These early brain changes point to a possible window of opportunity to prevent or delay memory loss and other symptoms of dementia. While nothing has been proven yet to prevent Alzheimer’s, researchers have identified promising strategies and are learning more about what might — and might not — work." It goes on further to offer suggestions and possible ways in which doctor's believe can alleviate the risk. They do not know if these actions can entirely prevent dementia but think it can help help.

This article from the Alzheimer's Association shares a similar sentiment. They say, "While Alzheimer's prevention has no definitive answers at this time, research has shown that we can take action to reduce our risk of developing it." They explain that there is no conclusive evidence to say if there is anyway to fully prevent Alzheimer's but to believe there are ways to reduce an individual's probability of getting it. 

Over all it is exaggerated or misleading to say there is nothing that can be done as there have been several studies focused on exploring preventative measures. 

Answer 6

I would consider this claim false because I found evidence that certain lifestyle factors can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. There is currently no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, and some risk factors, such as age and genetics, cannot be changed. However, research suggests that factors people can change, including physical activity and other health behaviors, may help reduce risk.

A study published in Nature Medicine followed 296 cognitively unimpaired older adults to examine the relationship between physical activity and Alzheimer’s-related changes in the brain. Among participants with elevated amyloid levels, researchers found that people who took more steps per day experienced slower accumulation of tau and slower cognitive and functional decline. Benefits were seen at around 3,000 to 5,000 steps per day and increased around 5,000 to 7,500 steps. However, because this was an observational study, the researchers could not prove that physical activity directly caused these effects.

The National Institute on Aging also explains that there is currently no proven way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. However, research suggests that healthy lifestyle choices, including staying physically active, controlling high blood pressure, and maintaining overall health, may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. This shows that while there is no guaranteed method of preventing Alzheimer’s, there are factors people may be able to change to support their brain health.

Lastly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that there are lifestyle behaviors and health conditions that can increase a person's risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. The CDC identifies factors such as lack of physical activity, uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, hearing loss, tobacco use, and alcohol use. It recommends healthy habits such as staying physically active, managing diabetes and blood pressure, treating hearing loss, and limiting alcohol and smoking to help lower dementia risk. This provides additional evidence that there are factors individuals can change that may help reduce their risk.

This does not mean that Alzheimer’s can always be prevented or that someone who follows a healthy lifestyle will never develop the disease. However, saying that there is "nothing" an individual can do to reduce their probability of developing Alzheimer's is not accurate, since research shows that certain lifestyle and health factors may help reduce that risk.