Other study findings have led to changes in how people with dementia are cared for and helped ease the burdens these illnesses can cause. Here are some examples:

Certain drugs, especially sedatives, can cause confusion and falling. Statin drugs, used to treat high cholesterol, may be linked to fewer of the microscopic brain changes that are typical of Alzheimer's disease. Anti-oxidant supplements (vitamins A and C) and some common pain relievers (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs) seem not to prevent brain decline. But a related study of Japanese-American seniors in King County linked regularly drinking fruit and vegetable juices-both rich sources of natural anti-oxidants-to reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. Avoiding environmental toxins throughout life can help delay the brain's decline. Wearing shoes-not just socks, stockings, or slippery slippers-can help prevent falling, even at home. Wandering, agitation, and disturbed sleep complicate the lives of patients with Alzheimer's and their families.

The ACT study enrolls about 240 new people each year, keeping the study group size steady at about 2,000 people. People are invited to participate after being randomly selected from a census of all Group Health members who are age 65, enrolled in central King County medical centers, and without dementia.

The participants have been patients at Group Health for an average of at least 30 years before joining the study. "That gives us a wealth of medical, drug, and lifestyle information to help answer our research questions," Dr. Larson said. "ACT is the world's only study that can link outcomes for dementia, frailty, and aging to data that captures each participant's whole health history, including medical, lab, and pharmacy records."

Source: Group Health Cooperative Center for Health Studies