Link Between Muscle Strength And Alzheimer\'s

Researchers at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago discussed whether muscle weakness may be an independent risk factor for Alzheimer\'s or whether it may be directly caused by some of the changes in the brain that start many years before the dementia symptoms become apparent. Less likely, lack of muscle strength and associated metabolism could be a contributing factor to the development of Alzheimer\'s disease.

\'In Alzheimer\'s disease, changes in the brain begin many years before a person begins to develop symptoms of dementia. This study provides a statistical link between weak muscles and increased risk of dementia. Observation of increasing muscle weakness may serve as one of the indicators that could alert GPs to the need for a cognitive assessment.

\'More research is needed before we can fully understand what causes dementia. One million people will develop dementia in the next ten years. We must act now.\'

Used Terms: alzheimer\'s disease, symptoms of dementia, risk of dementia