Breast Cancer Survivors May Have Lower Risk of Alzheimer's Disease

Strategic Insights -

A recent study published in the JAMA Network Open journal suggests that breast cancer survivors may have an 8% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to those without cancer. The study, led by Dr. Su-Min Jeong of Seoul National University, analyzed data from over 70,000 patients who underwent breast cancer surgery between 2010 and 2016. The researchers found that breast cancer survivors had a slightly lower risk of developing Alzheimer's, particularly in women aged 65 and older. However, this lower risk did not persist beyond five years of survival.

Key Takeaways:

  • Breast cancer survivors may have an 8% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to those without cancer, according to the study published in the JAMA Network Open journal.
  • The study analyzed data from over 70,000 patients who underwent breast cancer surgery between 2010 and 2016.
  • Breast cancer survivors had a slightly lower risk of developing Alzheimer's, particularly in women aged 65 and older.
  • This lower risk did not persist beyond five years of survival.
  • The study found no association between the risk for Alzheimer's and treatment with chemotherapeutic agents.
  • However, cancer treatment with radiation therapy was associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer's among survivors.

Statistics:

  • Over 70,000 patients were included in the study.
  • 1,229 cases of Alzheimer's were detected among the participants.
  • The women underwent an average follow-up of 7.3 years.
  • The lower risk of Alzheimer's disease was seen in women aged 65 and older.
  • The lower risk did not persist beyond five years of survival.

Sources:

  • JAMA Network Open (2023) - "Association of Breast Cancer Treatment With Risk of Alzheimer Disease"
  • Seoul National University - "Seoul National University Hospital" (no page number)
  • AuntMinnie (2023) - "Breast cancer survivors may have lower risk of Alzheimer's disease"