Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer May Lower Short-Term Alzheimer’s Risk

Radiotherapy for breast cancer linked to lower Alzheimer’s risk

Radiotherapy, a common treatment for breast cancer, may offer short-term protection against Alzheimer’s disease, according to recent research. A study led by Samsung Medical Center in South Korea analyzed data from nearly 70,000 breast cancer survivors, finding that those treated with radiation had an 8% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s compared to women without cancer. The protective effect was most prominent shortly after treatment but seemed to diminish over time.

The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, suggest that radiation therapy might influence neuroprotective mechanisms, potentially reducing inflammation and neurodegeneration pathways. Experts emphasize that while these results are promising, longer-term studies are needed to fully understand the relationship between cancer treatments and Alzheimer’s risk.

This research opens new avenues for exploring how certain cancer therapies could impact cognitive health, highlighting the importance of personalized treatment approaches and the need for further investigation into long-term effects.