Researchers are also examining how parts of the body, other than the brain, may play a role in disease development. Studies have looked into the effect various medications individuals are already taking, such as insulin, and theyre finding promising results.

A study looking at inhaled insulin showed some cognitive and amyloid-tau distribution improvements, but the type of inhaler seemed to make a big difference. Other approaches include studying gingivitis and other markers of inflammation, which Giordani says may help track the disease process earlier on as well.

Giordani also detailed the importance of understanding how the disease manifests in different groups of individuals. For example, the network of tau distribution (another Alzheimers disease pathological hallmark) in the brain of women is very different than men as the disease starts, he said, as Alzheimers disease has been found to affect more women than men.

Researchers have also been interested in studying the disease in the LGBTQ community. Older individuals with dementia from the [LGBTQ] community tend to live alone. They tend not to be partnered, they dont tend to have children who can take care of them, [and] so this can lead to very significant difficulty, Giordani explained.

Finally, Giordani described a new dementia classification called LATE, for individuals who develop dementia in their 80s and later. This is a disease that looks like Alzheimers disease, but its related to a different protein, he described, which in turn causes them to not respond well to Alzheimers treatment drugs.

No matter who you are, risk reduction may be the key to avoiding Alzheimers disease, Giordani claims. Researchers have discovered that adopting four to five low-risk factors or preventative habits lowers the risk significantly, even for individuals with a high genetic risk.

Exercise activities, social and emotional support, maintaining our general health, challenging our brain and watching our diet: these are five things we can all do to protect our brain, Giordani said.

The Michigan Alzheimers Disease Centers next virtual lecture is July 21, featuring Scott Roberts, Ph.D., discussing Can Alzheimers Disease be Prevented? Sign up on the centers website.

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Shifting from Treatment to Prevention in Alzheimer's Research - Michigan Medicine