Risk factors associated with the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review of the evidence.

Risk factors associated with the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review of the evidence. Neurotoxicology. 2017 Mar 28;: Authors: Hersi M, Irvine B, Gupta P, Gomes J, Birkett N, Krewski D Abstract A systematic review was conducted to identify risk factors associated with the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Moderate and high quality systematic reviews were eligible for inclusion. Primary studies reporting on non-genetic risk factors associated with neuropathologically or clinically confirmed AD were considered. Eighty one systematic reviews reporting on AD onset and 12 reporting on progression satisfied the eligibility criteria. Four hundred and thirty-two relevant primary studies reporting on onset were identified; however, only those published between 2010 and 2012 (n=65) were included in the qualitative synthesis. Several factors including statins, light-to-moderate alcohol consumption, compliance with a Mediterranean diet, higher educational attainment, physically and cognitively stimulating activities, and APOE ε2 appeared to be associated with a decreased risk of AD onset. The evidence was suggestive of an increased risk of AD associated with head injury in males, age, diabetes mellitus, conjugated equine estrogen use with medroxyprogesterone acetate, current smoking, and lower social engagement. With respect to genetic factors, APOE ε4 remained the strongest predictor of AD. Physic...
Source: Neurotoxicology - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Neurotoxicology Source Type: research