A recent study from Seoul National University College of Medicine found that breast cancer survivors might have a slightly lower chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those who haven’t gone through treatment. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from over 70,000 breast cancer survivors and compared it to a cancer-free group over an average of 7.3 years. Interestingly, women aged 65 and older who survived breast cancer showed an 8% reduced risk of dementia within the five years following their treatment.
The study found that those who received radiation treatment experienced the most significant reduction in dementia risk. This outcome challenges previous concerns about cognitive decline, often referred to as “chemo brain,” in breast cancer patients post-treatment. “Chemo brain refers to cognitive dysfunction, including thinking and memory problems, that occur in patients with cancer during and after chemotherapy,” the researchers wrote.
Though “chemo brain” is different from Alzheimer’s, as it affects memory in a subtler way and does not prevent recalling remote memories, it has been a common worry. The study noted, “Concerns about chemo brain and the long-term adverse effects of breast cancer treatment on cognition are common, but our findings suggest that this treatment does not directly lead to AD.” Some drugs given during breast cancer treatment might even reduce amyloid-beta and tau proteins in the brain, which are linked to Alzheimer’s.
The researchers advise breast cancer patients to control modifiable Alzheimer’s risk factors, such as smoking and diabetes, alongside receiving standard cancer treatments. However, the study had some limitations. It lacked detailed information about breast cancer stages and radiation doses, and Alzheimer’s diagnoses might have been underestimated.
Because the study focused on patients with “operable” breast cancer, it might not fully represent the Alzheimer’s risk among elderly patients, those with critical health issues, or advanced-stage cancer patients. “We could not evaluate the long-term increase in AD risk because our follow-up period was relatively short (maximum, 11 years),” the researchers acknowledged.
Maria C. Carrillo, Ph.D., from the Alzheimer’s Association, noted that this research topic has been explored before, with mixed results. Some studies have shown a decreased risk of Alzheimer’s among cancer survivors, while others suggest an increased risk. Carrillo warned against making quick conclusions from this study, emphasizing the need for more extensive research with longer observation periods.
The research highlighted that radiation therapy was associated with a 23% reduction in Alzheimer’s risk, a finding Carrillo finds particularly interesting. This could be due to radiation’s potential to lower inflammation levels. “Lowering inflammation in the body and brain can reduce amyloid beta or slow amyloid beta production, delaying the onset of symptomatic Alzheimer’s,” she explained.
Currently, about 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older live with Alzheimer’s, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. The study’s findings suggest a potential link between cancer treatments and reduced dementia risk, but the need for further research is clear. Fox News Digital reached out to the study researchers for additional comments.
Melissa Rudy, a senior health editor at Fox News Digital, reported on this story. For additional health-related articles, visit Fox News’ health section.
