Leo Sher, M.D.

Considerable evidence suggests that that breastfeeding history may affect maternal disease risk. For example, longer breastfeeding history is associated with lower rates of osteoporosis. It has also been proposed that there may be a connection between the physiological effects of lactation and Alzheimer’s disease. A new research report published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease indicates that breastfeeding a baby could lower women’s chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease.Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that women who breastfed for at least one week had a 64 percent reduction in Alzheimer’s risk compared to women who did not breastfeed at all. The authors also observed that longer breastfeeding duration corresponded to reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. To read the abstract of the study report, please click here.