Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent type of dementia in the UK. It is a progressive condition, meaning it gets worse over time.
In the majority of cases the first sign is minor memory problems, followed by personality changes, confusion and disorientation.
The causes of Alzheimer’s disease are very complicated, but one key part is the build-up of two substances inside the brain known as amyloid and tau.
It is not known exactly why this can occur but there are known factors that can increase your risk of Alzheimer’s such as genetics, age, head injuries and cardiovascular disease.
And one expert has warned of another “surprising” risk factor we should all be wary of.
Speaking on social media platform TikTok, neuroscientist Robert Love shared “the surprising secret to preventing Alzheimer’s disease”.
He revealed that maintaining healthy relationships is key for lowering your chances of developing Alzheimer’s.
“What is the surprising secret?” he said. “It is relationships.
“Having healthy relationships is one of the best things you can do for your overall health, your brain health, and helping reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.”
He explained further. “Well, number one, relationships give us purpose and meaning in life,” he said.
“And having a purpose and meaning in life is not only great for your health, but also is great for your mental health and helping reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.
“Number two, having great relationships can help reduce stress and anxiety.
“Humans are social creatures. We need to be around loving people. And these are family or friends, so that’s really important.
“Number three, loneliness is one of the biggest risk factors for disease as well as Alzheimer’s disease.
“And so you don’t want to be lonely. That is very, very dangerous.”
He said loneliness could even be “as bad for your health as smoking”.
He added: “And so having good relationships is a great way to help prevent loneliness.”
The NHS actually lists loneliness or social isolation as one risk factor for Alzheimer’s, alongside hearing loss, untreated depression (though depression can also be one of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease) and a sedentary lifestyle.
And a study published in Neurology journal in 2020 found that lonely people ages 60 to 79 were three times more likely to develop dementia than their counterparts who did not report feeling lonely.
Loneliness also was associated with smaller brain sizes and poorer executive function skills such as the ability to plan, focus attention, and remember instructions.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know is displaying signs of dementia you should speak to a GP.
