Lifestyle-related Risk Factors Associated with Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract

In the absence of curative therapies for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), primary prevention strategies are imperative. As a component of the National Population Health Study of Neurological Conditions, systematic searches of the literature were conducted to identify lifestyle-related risk factors associated with AD. Results of the overview of reviews was suggestive of an association between current smoking, lower social engagement, light-to-moderate alcohol consumption, higher educational attainment, and regular engagement in physically and cognitively stimulating activities with risk of AD. Results of the de novo systematic review indicated that the available evidence was inadequate to suggest an association between stress (i.e. psychological, work-related) and stress indicators (i.e. PTSD, neuroticism) with risk of AD. Too few studies were identified in the updated systematic review on Mediterranean diet adherence to allow for definitive conclusions. Important methodological limitations preclude the development of public health recommendations for primary prevention initiatives.