Washington: Modest neuroprotective effects caused by education and intellectual activity at the cellular level may lead to dramatic reductions in the number of cases of Alzheimer’s, reveals a new study published in PLoS ONE.
Based on an analysis of data derived from 26 epidemiological studies worldwide, Dr de la Fuente-Fernandez, a neurologist at the Hospital A Marcide in Ferrol (Spain), has developed a simple mathematical model that can help researchers test the effect of new neuroprotective drugs.
The study suggests that the most effective neuroprotective therapy for Alzheimer's disease may be education and intellectual activity, and not a pill.
The researchers say that mounting evidence accumulated over the last few years support the notion that intellectual activity increases what neuroscientists call "the cognitive reserve".
According to the model, a mere five per cent increase in the cognitive reserve in the general population may prevent one third of Alzheimer's cases.
de la Fuente-Fernandez believes that public health policies aimed at implementing higher levels of education in the general population are the best strategy for preventing Alzheimer's disease.
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