Breast Cancer Survivors May Face Lower Alzheimer’s Risk, Study Suggests

In a surprising twist, a new study from Seoul National University College of Medicine reveals that breast cancer survivors may have an unexpected edge in dodging Alzheimer’s disease. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, tracked over 70,000 breast cancer survivors against a cancer-free control group for an average of 7.3 years. The findings? Survivors, especially those over 65, showed an 8% lower risk of dementia within five years post-treatment. Radiation therapy stood out, offering the most significant risk reduction.

This challenges the long-held worry about 'chemo brain,' a term for cognitive struggles post-chemotherapy. While chemo brain is real, it’s distinct from Alzheimer’s, with subtler memory issues that don’t typically impair recalling distant memories. Intriguingly, some breast cancer drugs might even curb amyloid-beta and tau proteins—key culprits in Alzheimer’s—hinting at a protective effect.

Adjusted for factors like age, income, and lifestyle habits such as smoking or physical activity, the study still has blind spots. It didn’t account for cancer stage or radiation dosage, and its 11-year follow-up may not capture long-term risks. Plus, it focused on 'operable' breast cancer, so the findings might not apply to elderly patients or those with advanced disease.

Experts urge caution. Maria C. Carrillo from the Alzheimer’s Association notes that prior studies on cancer survivors and Alzheimer’s risk have been a mixed bag—some show reduced risk, others an increase. The radiation finding, linked to a 23% risk drop, is particularly compelling, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory effects. But more research is needed to confirm these patterns, especially in diverse populations over longer periods.

For now, breast cancer survivors can take heart in this potential silver lining while staying proactive about modifiable Alzheimer’s risk factors like diabetes and smoking. With 7.2 million Americans over 65 living with Alzheimer’s, every clue to prevention counts.