Alzheimer’s disease is a common form of dementia that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a degenerative disease that affects the brain, resulting in a decline in cognitive function, memory, and behavior. It’s an incredibly difficult disease, both for the people who develop it and for their loved ones.
While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the disease. In this blog, we will discuss the risk factors associated with developing Alzheimer’s disease and what steps you can take to reduce your risk.
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease causes healthy brain cells, or neurons, to die. It also damages the connections between neurons and can even make areas of the brain shrink. In its final stages, Alzheimer’s leads to widespread loss of brain volume. Dementia is a generalized term for many of the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s may be subtle at first, from forgetting words to bumping into walls more often. But as the disease progresses, symptoms become debilitating, and the patient will lose their ability to care for themselves. Symptoms can include:
- Memory loss (long-term and short-term)
- Difficulty solving problems and making decisions
- Losing track of dates
- Getting lost and misplacing objects
- Difficulty completing day-to-day activities like bathing or getting dressed
- Taking longer to complete tasks
- Mood and personality changes
- Increased anxiety or aggression
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Asking the same question multiple times
Perhaps the scariest part of Alzheimer’s disease is its fatality. Alzheimer’s has no cure and will ultimately lead to death. The best course of action is to reduce risk factors for the disease, watch for early warning signs, and take steps to improve the patient’s quality of life.
By understanding the risk factors associated with developing this disease, you can take proactive steps to reduce your chances of developing it and preserve your brain for longer.
Below, we’ll explore 7 things that increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. We’ll also explore new research that offers hope for those who may find themselves with Alzheimer’s in the future.
7 Risk Factors For Developing Alzheimer’s
1. Age
Age is one of the most significant risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease. As we age, the number of brain cells we have decreases, and the connections between neurons can break down. These changes can cause difficulties with memory, thinking, and problem-solving.
The risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease doubles every five years after the age of 65. By the age of 85, almost one in three people have Alzheimer’s disease. Unfortunately, there isn’t anything you can do to stop your body from aging. If you are in your 50s or older, it’s important to keep an eye out for symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
2. Family History & Genetics
Family history is another risk factor for developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. If you have a family member with Alzheimer’s, you are more likely to develop the disease yourself. In particular, those with a parent or sibling with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease have a higher risk of developing the disease.
Researchers have identified several genes that increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. One of these genes is the APOE gene. The APOE gene helps in producing a protein that carries cholesterol in the blood. There are three types of APOE genes: APOE e2, APOE e3, and APOE e4.
Everyone has the APOE gene, but certain variations of the gene can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. People with one or two copies of the APOE e4 gene have a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
People with one copy of the APOE e4 gene have a three times higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease than people without the gene, while people with two copies of the gene have an eight to twelve times higher risk.
3. Down Syndrome
People with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21, which contains the gene that produces amyloid precursor protein (APP). An excess of this protein can cause the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain. This greatly increases people with Down syndrome’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Nearly 50% of people with Down syndrome will develop Alzheimer’s by the age of 60. Those with Down syndrome are more likely to develop early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, which affects individuals as early as age 30.
The best way for those with Down syndrome to decrease their risk is by focusing on lifestyle factors and health conditions they can control. We’ll explore these later.
4. Gender
Women are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s disease, making up approximately two-thirds of all Alzheimer’s patients as well as the majority of caregivers for Alzheimer’s patients. Women are nearly twice as likely as men to develop Alzheimer’s. They also live longer than men following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
So why are women more at risk? A number of factors likely come into play, including sex chromosomes, hormones, brain structure, and gender and life experiences. These factors are being explored as part of a new direction in Alzheimer’s research.
As with people who have Down syndrome, women can lower their risk by altering their lifestyle and managing their overall health.
5. Existing Health Problems
Alzheimer’s is linked to a number of health problems, many of which are common in men and women over 50. The most notable include heart disease, strokes, and diabetes.
Conditions that damage the heart and blood vessels are known to increase your risk of Alzheimer’s. Studies have found that plaque buildup can cause Alzheimer’s symptoms, particularly if strokes or damage to blood cells in the brain are also present.
High blood pressure and high cholesterol both increase your risk of heart disease and strokes, so managing these factors is a good place to start. Another important factor to consider is your glucose levels.
High blood sugar levels are known to cause damage to the brain. People with high blood sugar levels experience a dramatic increase in beta-amyloid protein, one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.
Research from the Alzheimer’s Association has found that people with Type 1 diabetes are at the highest risk, as high as 93% more likely. But those with Type 2 diabetes also have a higher risk and often struggle with other health issues that increase the likelihood of developing the disease, such as obesity and high blood pressure.
6. Head Trauma
Head trauma, such as that experienced during a car accident, can be a risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s. When the brain suffers a traumatic injury, neurons can be permanently damaged, leading to the development of proteins that interfere with communication between neurons.
One study found that a history of traumatic brain injury increased the risk of Alzheimer’s by as much as 60%. Often, patients with head trauma experience symptoms of dementia later in life.
7. Lifestyle and Health Factors
Certain lifestyle factors put you at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s—often by causing you to develop health problems linked to the disease like diabetes and heart disease. This can include a sedentary lifestyle and eating a diet heavy in:
- Processed foods
- Saturated fats
- Sodium
- Sugar
- Fatty red meats
- Alcohol
Smoking can also increase your risk. A recent review of 37 research studies found that compared to non-smokers, smokers are 40% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Long-term use of cannabis may also be harmful to brain health and lead to memory problems.
Incorporating healthy lifestyle habits, staying active mentally and physically, and seeking regular medical check-ups are all important steps to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Get Peace Of Mind With Advanced Alzheimer’s Testing
Alzheimer’s disease can be a devastating diagnosis, and it is essential to understand the various risk factors that can increase the chances of developing the disease. Age, family history, genetics, Down syndrome, head trauma, and lifestyle and health factors are all significant contributors to the likelihood of developing dementia.
By being aware of these risk factors, you can take steps to decrease the chances of developing Alzheimer’s. Early onset Alzheimer’s is particularly challenging, and it is essential to seek a diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.
While we cannot change our age or genetic history, we can take steps to reduce other risk factors, such as high blood pressure, and make lifestyle changes that can help protect our brains. Additionally, early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
One of the easiest ways to gain peace of mind about your risk for Alzheimer’s disease is with advanced genetic testing from The Resurge Clinic. If you have cognitive concerns or have a family history of the disease, the Alzheimer’s Risk Test can provide insight into your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in the future.
The Alzheimer’s Risk Test will show your genetic risk of cognitive decline due to Alzheimer’s
disease. The test evaluates your DNA to see if you have APOE mutations and takes into account other risk factors, such as age and gender. Based on your results, Dr. Wusterhausen will create a personalized health plan to lower your risks, optimize your health, and keep your mind strong & healthy.
Alzheimer’s can be a scary disease, but you shouldn’t have to live in fear of developing it. Schedule a consultation with The Resurge Clinic, and let’s work together to improve your quality of life for years to come.
