Gene-environment interactions in considering physical activity for the prevention of dementia

• Main Author: Kristyn Alissa Bates
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: AIMS Press 2015-09-01
• Series: AIMS Molecular Science
• Subjects: Alzheimer's disease; physical activity; apolipoprotein E
• Online Access: http://www.aimspress.com/Molecular/article/413/fulltext.html

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, ranks as one of the most feared diseases in the world. Similarly, recent studies suggest that AD may be the third leading cause of death in the United States, behind heart disease and cancer. In the absence of a cure or effective treatment, strategies to prevent or delay the onset and progression of the disease are desperately needed. Decades of research have identified key risk and protective factors including genetic polymorphism in the APOE gene, age and lifestyle factors. Physical activity (PA) is emerging as an attractive primary prevention strategy. This review will summarise the latest findings supporting the role of physical activity in the prevention of AD, including possible mechanisms and the influence of genetics on disease prevention. Given that AD and other dementias are recognised as a world health priority, public health strategies are needed to incorporate promoting the health benefits of physical activity across the lifespan.