Alzheimer’s Disease Warning Signs: Gender and Education Influence Modifiable Risk Factors—A Pilot Survey Study

Abstract

Objective

The aim of this research was to determine the relationships among diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease warning signs, and lifestyle factors such as fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity.

Method

Adults over the age of 50 (N = 147) responded to a survey about their health, family history, and experience of Alzheimer’s warning signs in the previous year.

Results

Pearson’s correlation revealed significant relationships between fruit and vegetable intake and education, gender, and physical activity. Alzheimer’s warning signs were associated with relatives having an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis. Other results were nonsignificant.

Conclusions

Diabetes impacts one-third of older adults in the United States and increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This survey revealed that women, who are more at risk for Alzheimer’s disease, are less likely to engage in physical activity, a behavior that could decrease their risk. Similarly, those with higher education were more likely to consume colorful fruits and vegetables, potentially decreasing their risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Keywords:

• Alzheimer’s disease risk factors
• fruit and vegetable intake
• Alzheimer's disease warning signs
• diabetes
• general nutrition
• gerontology

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 Sample total is 190 because participants were asked to select all blood relatives having a diabetes mellitus (DM) diagnosis. Some participants had several family members with DM; others had none.

2 Sample total is 96 because participants were asked to select all blood relatives having an Alzheimer’s disease (AD) diagnosis. Some participants had several family members with AD; others had none.

3 Percentages do not total to 100% because some respondents did not have a blood relative with DM, while others had multiple relatives with the illness.

4 Total frequency is not 147 because of individuals with multiple relatives with DM and individuals with no relatives with AD.

5 Percentages do not sum to 100% because not all respondents answered the question. Some respondents experienced multiple warning signs, some experienced none or one, and 36% did not respond to the question at all.