The length of your limbs might help predict Alzheimer's risk
The length of your limbs might help predict Alzheimer’s risk
It sounds odd, but there just might be something to it: The length of your limbs might help predict risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Previous research has suggested a link between shorter arm spans and knee heights to increased risk of developing dementia. The theory: Poor nutrition in early life may have a simultaneous impact on future dementia risk and limb length.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins and the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging investigated this link with a study that followed nearly 2,800 elderly subjects for about five years.
Results:
- In women, greater arm span and knee height were linked to lower risk of dementia and AD
- Women with the shortest arm spans were about 1.5 times more likely to develop dementia and AD compared to women with the longest arm spans
- In men, short arm span was the only limb measurement linked to lower dementia and AD risk
If future research continues to confirm these findings, doctors will have another measure by which to predict possible dementia in their patients.
Meanwhile, the nutrition you choose today may have a profound impact on your AD risk tomorrow. You can find tips for keeping your brain healthy and sharp in the e-Alert “Brain Boosters” (10/24/05).
Sources:
“Knee Height and Arm Span – A Reflection of Early Life environment and Risk of Dementia” Vol. 70, No. 19, Pt. 2, 5/6/08, Neurology, neurology.org
