Research

"Studies have been conducted to identify factors that might affect memory, including aging, the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 genotype, chronic diseases, and lifestyle patterns. Among these, lifestyle has received increasing attention as a modifiable behaviour because this factor is relatively easily amendable with potential benefits for overall health as well as memory."

ApoE4 is a specific version of the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene, which plays a critical role in the transport and metabolism of cholesterol and other lipids in the body. The significance of ApoE4 lies in its association with an increased risk for several age-related diseases, including Alzheimer's disease.

Studies have shown that individuals who carry one copy of the ApoE4 gene are at an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to those who carry other versions of the ApoE gene. Individuals who carry two copies of the ApoE4 gene have an even higher risk of developing Alzheimer's…

Distress can increase levels of stress hormones and neuroinflammation. Sonja Sulkava, MD, PhD found that "Animal studies have clearly shown that chronic stress increases the neuropathology of memory disorders" as occurs, for example, in Alzheimer's disease. It was also noted that psychological distress can be closely related to insomnia, which can also increase risk for memory disorders.

Follow-up

The investigators analyzed information from the National FINRISK Study, a Finnish health and risk factor study in which data from random samples of Finnish inhabitants residing in different areas of the country were collected every 5 years between 1972 and 2007.

Participants answered questions about their levels of stress, depressive mood, nervousness, and exhaustion over the past month. Follow-up continued until death, diagnosis of dementia, or end of year 2017. This information came from the Finnish Hospital Discharge register, the Causes of Death Register, and the Drug Reimbursement Register.

Among nearly 68,000…