Healthy habits to help prevent Alzheimer's

People may be able to reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, according to two recently published studies that are the latest in a long line of research. But does that hold for everyone? And by how much can you lower the risk? Here's a look at the facts.

High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking and high-fat diets have all been associated with increasing one's risk. Last week, a paper in the Journal of the American Medical Assn. reported that people eating a so-called Mediterranean diet and exercising regularly were at lower risk -- by as much as 50%.

And in earlier studies, other lifestyle factors -- such as doing the daily crossword puzzle or other intellectually stimulating activities, maintaining an active social life and getting a college education -- have been associated with lowered Alzheimer's risk.

This is not the first study to suggest that diet and physical activity may be protective. The Mediterranean-type diet "combines several foods and nutrients potentially protective against cognitive dysfunction or dementia, such as fish, monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamins B12 and folate, antioxidants (vitamin E, carotenoids, flavonoids), and moderate amounts of alcohol.