Study Shows Lifestyle-Dementia Links Remain Strong Despite Genetic Risk Factors

A recent French prospective study has found that lifestyle and other dementia risk factors are linked with cognitive changes independently of genetic risks for Alzheimer’s disease. The study, conducted by Cécilia Samieri, DVM, PhD, and colleagues at the University of Bordeaux, involved nearly 5,200 participants in three French cities.

The researchers used the Lifestyle for Brain (LIBRA) health risk scale to assess participants’ risk factors for dementia. They found that worse scores on the LIBRA scale at baseline were associated with both subsequent cognitive decline and dementia incidence. Importantly, this association held true regardless of genetic risk factors, including the presence of the APOE4 gene.

The hazard ratio for dementia for a 1-point change in LIBRA scores was 1.09 in APOE4 non-carriers and 1.15 in APOE4 carriers, although this difference was not statistically significant. Similar findings were observed for an overall genetic risk score for cognitive decline.

These findings suggest that a combination of lifestyle modifications and other modifiable risk factors can lower the risk of dementia, even among individuals with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease. This highlights the importance of targeted prevention strategies that focus on lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, cognitive stimulation, smoking, alcohol consumption, and mental health.

The researchers noted that up to 40% of dementia cases may be delayed or slowed by addressing modifiable risk factors. The LIBRA health risk score, which combines various dementia risk factors, has been shown to be a useful tool in assessing and addressing these risks.

The study also considered the role of genetic susceptibility in dementia risk, including the presence of the APOE4 gene and other genetic variants. The researchers found that dementia incidence increased with higher LIBRA scores in all categories of genetic risk, indicating that lifestyle factors play a significant role in dementia risk regardless of genetic predisposition.

Overall, the study underscores the importance of lifestyle modifications in reducing the risk of dementia, particularly among individuals at higher genetic risk. By targeting modifiable risk factors through precision prevention programs, it may be possible to lower the risk of dementia and cognitive decline in the population.

This research was supported by various organizations, including the French National Research Agency, Fondation Plan Alzheimer, and the Ministry of Research-INSERM. The authors reported no conflicts of interest.

The findings of this study were published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, providing valuable insights into the complex interplay between lifestyle factors, genetic susceptibility, and dementia risk.