Louisiana Researcher Skeptical of Report That US Alzheimers Rate Is Dropping

A federally funded study says an American over the age of 60 has a 44-percent lower chance of developing dementia than a similar-aged person 30 years ago.Dr Jeff Keller with the Pennington Biomedical Research Center can't see how those results are accurate.

"Particularly in light of the fact there are no effective treatments for Alzheimer's Disease today," Keller said. "So, if we just accidentally lowered the incidence that would be great." Keller says it's going to take more than one study for him to believe the alzheimer rate is on the decline, especially since health factors that lead to dementia are on the rise.

"Things like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, as well as increased life spans, so aging is one of the biggest risk factors."

{Louisiana Radio Network}