With more than 6 million Americans and 180,000 North Carolinians living with Alzheimer's disease today, researchers are working tirelessly to advance science that will lead to earlier detection, preventions and additional new treatments for Alzheimer’s and all dementia.

In early August, more than 10,000 researchers attended the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® 2022 both in person and virtually to share the latest in Alzheimer’s and dementia science. Highlights included:

Another reason to move your body.  Results are in from the longest-ever clinical trial of exercise in older adults with mild memory problems. After 12 months of regular physical activity — aerobic exercise or stretching — study participants experienced no significant cognitive decline.

Junk food might be hurting our brains.  Researchers studied more than 10,000 people over eight years and found that high consumption of ultra-processed foods led to a 28% faster decline in cognitive function.

Racism’s impact on memory.  In a study of nearly 1,000 adults, exposure to interpersonal and institutional racism was associated with lower memory scores, especially among Black individuals.

More long-term impacts of COVID-19.  Researchers found that loss of smell due to COVID-19 infection may be a better predictor of long-term cognitive and functional impairment than severity of the illness.

Earning less money may increase dementia risk. Compared with workers earning higher wages, sustained low-wage earners experienced faster memory decline in older age.

“There is great progress in Alzheimer’s and dementia research,” said Lisa Roberts, executive director for the Alzheimer’s Association – Eastern North Carolina Chapter, who attended the conference as virtual participant.

“This year at AAIC, we heard new ideas about what makes us at risk, as well as a diverse array of treatments and prevention methods for Alzheimer’s disease and all dementia. The work of the scientific community holds great promise for the future worldwide, and in our own back yard here in North Carolina.”

More than 80 scientific presentations from the conference were from N.C.-based researchers and investigators including: Duke University, East Carolina University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, UNC Greensboro, Wake Forest University and other research centers.

To learn more about the studies presented at the 2022 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, go to alz.org/aaic.

The Alzheimer's Association is available with information and support for families as they navigate the disease and related research.

For more information on the Alzheimer’s Association – Eastern North Carolina Chapter, visit the alz.org/nc or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.