In Healthwatch, an estimated 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease and the numbers are growing. But as Joy Benedict shows us, there are some things you may be able to do to lower your risk. There's a great shot of you.
And your mom and dad walking down. Looking through photo albums means a lot to Kristen and Glenn Jimenez. Kristen's father recently passed away from Alzheimer's disease.
It's draining for the families and it's just such a debilitating disease for everybody. Her husband, Glenn. also lost his grandfather to Alzheimer's. With a family history, the couple wants to try to lower their chances of developing the disease. It's one of the worst things to experience because you lose that connection with somebody.
Now new research from the Alzheimer's Association International Conference suggests adopting four or five healthy lifestyle practices may reduce risk for dementia by 60 percent. The study focused on healthy diet, moderate to vigorous physical activity, not smoking, light to moderate drinking, and engaging in activities that stimulate the mind. Dr. Maria Carrillo is the chief science officer.
These are things that everybody can do every day. A separate study shows healthy habits may counteract a person's genetic risk for dementia. Researchers looked at people that have the same genetic risks, but different lifestyles. People that had a healthy lifestyle actually had less chance of developing dementia.
That's really exciting because it means there is something you can do today even to overcome what you've inherited. Kristen and Glenn are already eating right and getting plenty of exercise. It started several years ago for me, but it's changed even more so now.
I think it's definitely one motivator in many that motivates me to stay healthy. They plan to keep making good lifestyle choices for both body and mind. Joy Benedict, CBS News, Los Angeles.