Breast cancer radiation linked to reduced Alzheimer’s risk in study

A new study led by the Seoul National University College of Medicine has uncovered a surprising potential benefit of cancer treatment – a reduced risk of developing dementia, specifically Alzheimer’s disease, for breast cancer survivors. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from over 70,000 breast cancer survivors compared to a control group without cancer over an average of 7.3 years.

The research revealed that breast cancer survivors, especially those aged 65 and older, exhibited an 8% lower risk of dementia within the five years following treatment. Interestingly, those who underwent radiation therapy showed the most significant risk reduction. The study accounted for various factors that could impact Alzheimer’s risk, such as age, income, comorbidities, and lifestyle habits.

Contrary to previous concerns about cognitive decline in cancer patients post-treatment, the study found that breast cancer treatment did not directly lead to Alzheimer’s. In fact, some medications given to breast cancer patients may help reduce the formation of amyloid-beta and tau proteins in the brain, which are associated with Alzheimer’s.

While the study had limitations, such as the lack of information on cancer stage and radiation dose, the findings suggest that breast cancer patients should focus on reducing modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s, in addition to receiving standard cancer treatment. The researchers emphasized the need for longer-term studies to explore the relationship between cancer survival and Alzheimer’s risk further.

Alzheimer’s Association Chief Science Officer Dr. Maria C. Carrillo noted that previous research has yielded mixed results on the link between cancer survival and Alzheimer’s risk. She highlighted the potential role of radiation therapy in reducing inflammation levels, which could delay the onset of symptomatic Alzheimer’s. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

With approximately 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s, understanding the potential impact of cancer treatment on dementia risk is crucial. The study’s intriguing results open up new avenues for research and underscore the importance of exploring the complex interplay between cancer treatment and cognitive health.

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