Study Suggests Breast Cancer Survivors May Have Lower Alzheimer’s Risk
A new study published in JAMA Network Open has found a potential protective effect of breast cancer treatment against Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers analyzed data from over 70,000 breast cancer survivors, comparing their risk of dementia with a cancer-free control group. The study found that survivors, especially those aged 65 and older, showed an 8% lower risk of dementia compared to non-survivors.
The findings contrast with previous concerns about cognitive decline linked to cancer treatments. However, the study acknowledges limitations, including the relatively short follow-up period (maximum 11 years) and potential underestimation of Alzheimer’s diagnoses. The researchers recommend that patients take steps to reduce modifiable risk factors such as smoking and diabetes, along with receiving standard cancer treatment.
Dr. Maria C. Carrillo, an Alzheimer’s Association expert, highlighted that while the study suggests a reduced risk, more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions. Previous studies on cancer survivors and Alzheimer’s risk have produced mixed results, and the expert emphasized the importance of longer-term follow-up studies in diverse populations.
Despite the study’s limitations, the finding that radiation therapy was associated with a 23% risk reduction for Alzheimer’s is particularly significant. This could be due to radiation’s ability to lower inflammation, which is thought to play a role in Alzheimer’s development. Further research is needed to confirm this potential mechanism.
In the U.S., approximately 7.2 million people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. The study underscores the need to continue exploring the relationship between cancer treatments and cognitive health, while also addressing the broader risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease.