STAT+: Dementia study replicates promising outcomes following risk-reduction strategies

STAT PlusHealth Dementia study replicates promising outcomes following risk-reduction strategies You’re reading STAT’s AAIC in 30 newsletter Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Andrew JosephJuly 13, 2026 Europe Correspondent Andrew Joseph[email protected]Andrew covers the biopharma industry, scientific research, and public health across the continent. You can reach Andrew confidentially on Signal at drewqjoseph.71. This is the web edition of STAT’s AAIC in 30 newsletter. Sign up to get it in your inbox here. Hi there from Day 2 of AAIC. There may be 10,200 people here at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference — up 1,700 from last year — from 115 countries, as the association’s Maria Carrillo announced at Monday’s plenary session. But by far my favorite person is the woman I saw taking a nap on a bench in a corridor, her sunhat pulled over her eyes. You are an inspiration.Advertisement One housekeeping note: Due to the vagaries of newsletter scheduling, we won’t have an edition tomorrow, but will be back in your inbox with a wrap-up edition on Wednesday. Keep your eyes on statnews.com tomorrow though and expect some conference news around 9:15 a.m. Eastern. Latin American study praised as ‘landmark’ effort For a disease that’s proven as intractable to treat as Alzheimer’s, it’s been known for quite some time what factors can heighten one’s risk for dementia. Poor nutrition, sleep, and cardiovascular health; a lack of physical activity and social engagement; and lower education levels all increase the likelihood that a person will develop Alzheimer’s. A study reported at last year’s AAIC put interventions designed to reduce risk to the test. The U.S. Pointer study found that an intensive, structured program that encouraged improved diet and exercise, cardiovascular health monitoring, and other steps helped protect cognitive function among older adults at risk of dementia to a greater extent than a lower-intensity program that participants navigated on their own, even as both groups saw benefits. The study underscored that healthy habits contribute to a healthy brain. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In Alzheimer’s, biotechnology, drug development, Pharmaceuticals, research, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Andrew Joseph Europe Correspondent Andrew covers the biopharma industry, scientific research, and public health across the continent. You can reach Andrew confidentially on Signal at drewqjoseph.71. Newsletter Your guide to the Alzheimer's Association International Conference Recommended The Readout July 13, 2026 STAT Plus: All eyes on data on Biogen’s tau therapy Biotech July 13, 2026 STAT Plus: A breakthrough in pancreatic cancer has experts excited — and braced for what’s to come Advertisement Biotech July 12, 2026 STAT Plus: Tau in the spotlight at Alzheimer’s conference The Readout July 10, 2026 STAT Plus: Roche ends Huntington’s gene-silencing programs Biotech July 9, 2026 STAT Plus: ARPA-H launches $160 million effort to develop custom gene editing drugs Subscriber Picks