Research suggests that there’s no single cause for Alzheimer’s disease. It is likely to be caused by multiple factors such as genetics and lifestyle. Scientists have discovered factors that increase your risk of Alzheimer’s. Although some risk factors, such as age, family history, and heredity, can’t always be changed, there are other factors that we can influence.
While increasing age is the most significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s and other dementias, these disorders are not an inevitable part of aging. Although age can increase risk, it is not an underlying cause of Alzheimer’s.
The majority of people with Alzheimer’s are over 65. The risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease doubles after age 65. Nearly one-third of the population is at risk after age 85.
Family history is another strong risk factor. People who have an Alzheimer’s-related brother, sister or parent are at greater risk. If more than one person has the disease, the risk is higher. If diseases run in families, it is possible for environmental factors (genetics), heredity (genetics), or both to play a part.
Aluminium was suspected of causing Alzheimer’s in the 1960s and 1970s. There were concerns about aluminium exposure from everyday sources like foil, cooking pots, beverage cans, antiperspirants, and antacids. Studies have not been able to prove that aluminium is responsible for Alzheimer’s. Most scientists nowadays focus their research on other areas and very few experts believe that aluminium from everyday sources poses any danger.
Scientists have discovered that Alzheimer’s is linked to genes. There are two types of genes that influence the likelihood that a person will develop a disease: risk genes or deterministic genes. Both categories have been identified with Alzheimer’s genes. The deterministic gene (genes that cause disease rather than increase the chance of developing it) is responsible for less than 1% of Alzheimer’s cases.
Although age, family history, and heredity are risk factors that we cannot change, there are clues to other risk factors that we can influence by making lifestyle changes and managing other health conditions.
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Head injured injury is linked to dementia risk in the future. Protect your brain by wearing your helmet while playing sports and buckling up. Also, “fall-proof” your home.
The Heart-head link: There is strong evidence linking brain health with heart health. This is because the brain is fed by one of the most extensive networks of blood vessels in the body. The heart pumps blood through these vessels to the brain.
Many conditions that cause damage to the heart or blood vessels increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia. High cholesterol, stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes are just a few of the conditions that increase your risk. Your doctor can help you monitor your heart health, and treat any issues that may arise.
Additional evidence of the connection between the heart and head is provided by studies on donated brain tissue. These studies show that plaques and tangles can be more likely to lead to Alzheimer’s symptoms when strokes or damage are also occurring to the brain’s blood vessels.
Healthy ageing: A promising line of research suggests strategies for overall healthy ageing that may help keep the mind healthy and reduce the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s or other dementias. These include eating healthy foods, exercising, staying active and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol.
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