- With Mayo Clinic clinical neuropsychologist
Glenn Smith, Ph.D.
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Glenn Smith, Ph.D.
Glenn Smith, Ph.D.
Dr. Glenn Smith is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist who specializes in Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. Smith, a Lincoln, Neb., native, has been with Mayo Clinic since 1990 and works with neurologists, psychiatrists, internists, social workers and nurses involved in diagnosing and providing care for people with dementia and their families.
"For Alzheimer's disease, there is currently no cure," he says. "The best "medicine" for patient and family remains education and support. Hopefully, Mayo Clinic's Alzheimer's disease Web resources contribute to compassionate care and understanding for Alzheimer's families."
Dr. Smith is a professor of psychology at College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, a division co-chair in the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, and principal investigator of the Mayo Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Education and Information Transfer Core. He is past president of the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology and the Clinical Neuropsychology Division of the American Psychological Association.
Risk factors (2)
- Alzheimer's: Can a head injury increase my risk?
- Oophorectomy (ovary removal): A risk factor for dementia?
Symptoms (1)
- Sundowning: Late-day confusion
Tests and diagnosis (2)
- Rapidly progressing Alzheimer's: Something else?
- Alzheimer's test: Detection at the earliest stages
Complications (1)
- Phantosmia: What causes olfactory hallucinations?
Treatments and drugs (3)
- Alzheimer's nose spray: New Alzheimer's treatment?
- Folic acid supplements: Can they slow cognitive decline?
- Vitamin B-12: Can it improve memory in Alzheimer's?
Lifestyle and home remedies (1)
- Alzheimer's: Can a Mediterranean diet lower my risk?
Alternative medicine (5)
- Huperzine A: Can it treat Alzheimer's?
- Axona: Medical food to treat Alzheimer's
- Phosphatidylserine supplements: Can they improve memory?
- see all in Alternative medicine
Coping and support (1)
- Elder care for Alzheimer's: Choosing a provider
Prevention (3)
- Alzheimer's disease: Can exercise prevent memory loss?
- Benefits of being bilingual: Delay Alzheimer's?
- Alzheimer's prevention: Does it exist?
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Question
Alzheimer's prevention: Does it exist?
Are there any proven Alzheimer's prevention strategies?
Answer
from Glenn Smith, Ph.D.
According to an April 2010 statement from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a number of factors could play a role in whether you develop Alzheimer's disease. However, more research is needed before modifying any of these factors can be proven to prevent Alzheimer's.
The NIH report was developed by an independent panel of health professionals and public representatives who reviewed the most current research on Alzheimer's prevention. The panel found that studies to date have varied too much in size, scope, criteria and definitions to compare results and draw reliable conclusions.
Although more research is needed to definitively prove which Alzheimer's prevention strategies are effective, some purported strategies are healthy choices that promote good overall health:
- Avoiding smoking
- Eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits and lean protein, particularly protein sources containing omega-3 fatty acids
- Being physically and socially active
- Taking care of your mental health
Alzheimer's: Can a head injury increase my risk?
- Preventing Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline. National Institutes of Health. http://consensus.nih.gov/2010/docs/alz/alz_stmt.pdf. Accessed June 25, 2010.
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