A recent study conducted in Tunisia has found that risk factors associated with Alzheimer's disease differ significantly between urban and rural areas. The study, led by Dr. Slim Ben Nessib, a geriatrics specialist, analyzed data from 255 patients with neurocognitive disorders. The research aimed to identify key factors linked to these disorders in elderly Tunisians and assess their distribution across different living environments. The study's findings highlight the complexity of Alzheimer's disease and the need for tailored prevention strategies.
The study revealed that Alzheimer's disease accounted for 68% of diagnosed cases, followed by Lewy body disease at 21%, and vascular and frontotemporal dementia. Dr. Ben Nessib's research, presented at the "Aging and Maintaining Autonomy" conference in Tours, France, in April 2026, showed that patients had multiple risk factors, with 93% having at least three and 64% having at least five. These factors included depression, hypertension, physical inactivity, social isolation, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, low education level, poor diet, and smoking.
The study identified notable differences in risk factors between urban and rural areas. In urban areas, poor diet, physical inactivity, and certain lipid profile factors were more prevalent. In contrast, hypertension and diabetes were more common in rural areas. Low education level and social isolation were also more frequent in rural areas, while chronic exposure to air pollution was more often observed in urban areas. However, depressive symptoms were comparable across both environments.
Dr. Ben Nessib emphasized that these findings support the need for early and multifaceted prevention of cognitive decline, taking into account cardiovascular factors, physical activity, diet, education, social determinants, and environmental factors. The study's results suggest that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be effective in preventing Alzheimer's disease, and that strategies should be tailored to specific regional needs.
The study, which was cross-sectional and monocentric, establishes associations between risk factors and neurocognitive disorders but does not establish causality. Dr. Ben Nessib is also the author of a book, "How to Live with a Parent with Alzheimer's Disease?", published in 2019, which provides information and support for families affected by the disease.
Dr. Ben Nessib's work has focused on improving the lives of people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. He has participated in training programs for family caregivers and professionals, as well as awareness and education initiatives, through his work with the Alzheimer Tunisia association since 2010. His research has also explored the quality of life of people with Alzheimer's disease living at home and the loss of functional independence in Tunisian patients.
The study's findings have implications for public health policy and the development of targeted interventions to prevent and manage Alzheimer's disease in Tunisia. Further research is needed to establish causality between risk factors and neurocognitive disorders and to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Key points
- The study analyzed data from 255 patients with neurocognitive disorders in Tunisia.
- Alzheimer's disease accounted for 68% of diagnosed cases in the study.
- Risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, such as hypertension and poor diet, differed between urban and rural areas in Tunisia.
