Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the most widespread health challenges in the United States, affecting an estimated 7.2 million Americans, with projections showing the number could rise to 13.8 million by 2060. Researchers warn that this increase is not driven solely by an ageing population but signals a growing public health crisis.

Experts from Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine say that cognitive decline is not an inevitable part of ageing and can be reduced through meaningful lifestyle changes. In a recent commentary published in The American Journal of Medicine, the researchers urged doctors, public health officials and policymakers to prioritise lifestyle-based prevention strategies.

Dr Charles H. Hennekens, one of the authors, noted that while deaths from heart disease have declined since 2000, deaths linked to Alzheimer’s disease have increased by more than 140 per cent during the same period. He said research suggests that up to 45 per cent of dementia risk may be linked to modifiable factors related to lifestyle and environment.

According to the researchers, habits such as physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, obesity, excessive alcohol use, social isolation and untreated depression can significantly increase the risk of cognitive decline. Chronic medical conditions including high blood pressure and diabetes were also identified as closely connected to long-term brain health.

They emphasised that many of the same lifestyle changes known to protect cardiovascular health, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition and social engagement, may also help preserve cognitive function.

The commentary highlighted findings from the POINTER study, the first large-scale US trial examining whether intensive lifestyle changes can improve brain health in older adults. The results mirrored those of Finland’s FINGER study, which showed that participants who followed structured lifestyle programmes experienced measurable benefits in cognitive performance.

Researchers say the growing body of evidence underscores the need for early, preventive action, stressing that lifestyle-based interventions could play a crucial role in slowing the rise of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.