Cleanliness does not 'cause dementia'

Conclusion This study suggests that proxy measures for exposure to microbes and living in sanitary and hygienic environments may be associated with increased rates of Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers point out that their study, as with all epidemiological studies based on survey data, are limited in as much as they can only provide information on correlations and cannot be interpreted as proving one factor causes another. Relying on survey data, especially data from different countries, is also limited by the fact that it is collected in different ways. It is important to evaluate the source of the data – the current study investigation used data from the World Health Organization’s Global Burden of Disease report to establish Alzheimer’s outcomes. This report compiles age-standardised figures based on disease registers, population surveys and previously published epidemiological data. While it is standard (and essential) to adjust such data for demographic variation across countries (such as population age structure, life expectancy at birth) it can be more difficult to account for variation in disease reporting, especially for an illness that does not have a standard diagnostic test. The researchers report that there is considerable debate regarding the association between exposure to microbes and Alzheimer’s disease. Among researchers interested in this possible relationship, there is varying opinion on the direction and strength of any association. Some thi...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Neurology Lifestyle/exercise Source Type: news