Risk Factors

High blood pressure has earned the title of “silent killer” because it typically has no symptoms until after it has done significant damage to the heart and arteries. Now there’s evidence that links high blood pressure to our brains and dementia.

Tracking the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease among ethnic populations, cultures and countries is an important aspect of Alzheimer’s research. But while we know certain populations, especially African-Americans, have higher rates of Alzheimer’s disease, we are only beginning to research the reason for these higher rates. In February’s Alzheimer’s Prevention Bulletin, we learn about the work of a researcher who is exploring the biological reasons for this health disparity.

The odds of getting Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia are declining for people who are more educated and avoiding heart disease, a study finds. The results suggest that people may have some control over their risk of dementia as they age.

Studies show that eating fish can be helpful for the brain, but does the risk of mercury in seafood negate that benefit? The latest study explores the link

A new study finds that people who were inclined to believe that older people were slower, unhappier and less sharp than the rest of us are more likely -- when, decades later, they become older themselves -- to exhibit the brain changes seen in those with Alzheimer's disease.