Development of a new method for assessing global risk of Alzheimer's disease for use in population health approaches to prevention.

ABSTRACT: Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects approximately 35 million people worldwide. Increasing evidence suggests that many risk factors for AD are modifiable. AD pathology develops over decades. Hence risk reduction interventions require very long follow-ups to show effects on AD incidence. Focussing on AD risk, instead of diagnosis, provides a more realistic target for prevention strategies. We developed a novel methodology that yields a global approach to risk assessment for AD for use in population-based settings and interventions. The methodology was used to develop a risk assessment tool that can be updated as more evidence becomes available. First, a systematic search strategy identified risk and protective factors for AD. Eleven risk factors and four protective factors for AD were identifie

SUBMITTER: Anstey KJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3696462 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature