Sedentary behavior raises dementia risk as much as genetic factors
Written by Honor Whiteman
Published: Today
For older adults, a lack of exercise may put their risk of developing dementia on par with that of adults who are genetically predisposed to the disease. This is the conclusion of a new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
[An older man watching television]
Researchers suggest that sedentary behavior puts older adults at just as much risk of developing dementia as those who are genetically predisposed to the disease.
Worldwide, there are around 47.5 million people living with dementia. By 2030, this number is expected to rise to approximately 75.6 million.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for about 60-80 percent of all cases. In the United States alone, an estimated 5.4 million people have Alzheimer's.
One of the biggest risk factors for Alzheimer's disease is the apolipoprotein E (APOE) e4 gene. According to the Alzheimer's Association, adults who possess one copy of the APOE e4 gene are three times more likely to develop the disease than those without the gene, while those with two copies are 8-12 times more likely to develop Alzheimer's.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315173.php
