Risk Factors and Causes of Alzheimers

While there are no direct causes of Alzheimers – it is referred to as idiopathic (no known cause) – scientists do understand that the disease involves progressive brain cell failure.  And while there is no single reason for this failure, several risk factors have been identified as possible causes of Alzheimers:

The first of the possible causes of Alzheimers is age.  Most patients suffering from Alzheimers are over 65, and after 85, the risk of contracting the disease is almost 50%.  Next is family history, which research has shown to increase the risk – and this indicates either a genetic flaw or environmental factors.

Causes of Alzheimers

While researchers have been able to idendify Alzheimers genes – both risk genes like APOE-e4, or deterministic genes (guaranteed to cause the disease) – genetics are unavoidable and not always reliable causes of Alzheimers.  There are, however, risk factors that you can avoid:

A strong link has been made connecting head injury to future risk of Alzheimers.  So buckle your seat belt and wear a helmet if engaging in dangerous activity.

Secondly, an inarguable link has been made connecting brain health to heart health.  Every heart beat pumps 20-25% of your blood to your head.  Understanding heart issues as causes of Alzheimers can motivate you and your doctor to manage blood pressure or high cholesterol. 

Finally, while no one can stop aging, general healthy aging can offer some protection against developing Alzheimers (or related diseases).  Weight gain, tobacco, and excess alcohol can all be potential causes of Alzheimers, so stay healthy – exercise your body and your mind.