Journalist Maria Shriver and Alzheimer's Association experts are raising awareness about brain health, emphasizing that lifestyle changes and early detection can help mitigate cognitive decline risk.
Key facts
- •Maria Shriver founded the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement at the Cleveland Clinic.
- •Women are nearly twice as likely as men to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
- •Up to 45% of dementia risk may be preventable or delayed through lifestyle modifications.
- •The FDA has cleared four new blood tests and approved three new treatments for Alzheimer’s in recent years.
- •ApoE4 is the most well-studied risk gene associated with late-onset Alzheimer’s.
Author and journalist Maria Shriver is partnering with Eli Lilly’s Brain Health Matters campaign to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease. Shriver, who has advocated for brain health since her father’s 2003 diagnosis, emphasizes that women are nearly twice as likely as men to develop the disease. She and experts from the Alzheimer’s Association are encouraging adults to take proactive steps to manage their brain health during midlife rather than waiting until later years.
By the numbers
Understanding Genetic and Lifestyle Risks
Heather Snyder, PhD, of the Alzheimer’s Association, notes that while genetics play a role, having a family history does not guarantee a diagnosis. Researchers have identified over 100 genetic variants linked to late-onset Alzheimer’s, with ApoE4 being the most well-studied risk gene. However, Snyder emphasizes that up to 45% of dementia risk may be preventable or delayed through modifiable lifestyle factors. Research indicates that managing cardiovascular health, diabetes, and maintaining a nutritious diet can support brain health. Studies like the LatAm-FINGERS and U.S. POINTER initiatives show that structured lifestyle interventions can improve memory and cognitive function in older adults at risk of dementia.
Advancements in Detection and Treatment
The landscape for Alzheimer’s care has shifted significantly, with new diagnostic and treatment options emerging. The FDA has cleared four new blood tests for Alzheimer’s diagnosis and approved three new treatments in recent years. Shriver emphasizes the importance of midlife intervention, noting that Alzheimer’s and other dementias may be present in the brain for more than 20 years before symptoms appear.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Healthline.
