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Efficient_Lecture_98 t1_iy0vl3v wrote

How does the impact of these modifiable risk factors stack up against non-modifiable factors?

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True_Garen OP t1_iy0xq9m wrote

The non-modifiable factors of age and family history are much much the stronger. (They didn't need to wait decades to have a study to discern those; they are obvious.)

For contrast, see:

NIH state-of-the-science conference statement: Preventing Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline (2010) - https://europepmc.org/article/med/20445638

Currently, firm conclusions cannot be drawn about the association of any modifiable risk factor with cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s disease.

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True_Garen OP t1_iy0zt55 wrote

I'll mention here that while this study puts smoking as a risk factor, it has been long observed that smokers have relative immunity to AD. Nicotine is neuroprotective, and lowers the risk of AD by more than half.

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SerialStateLineXer t1_iy1xqmv wrote

Evidence on this is mixed at best. While there is some evidence for a neuroprotective effect of nicotine, this appears to be offset by the negative cardiovascular effects of smoke inhalation. Even nicotine itself has a vasoconstrictive effect that could offset the neuroprotective effects seen in vitro.

Smoking does seem to be protective against Parkinson's Disease in particular, though.

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True_Garen OP t1_iy21qb7 wrote

>neuroprotective effects seen
>
>in vitro

We see the benefits for memory in vivo with our own eyes...

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