What is Alzheimer's ?

Risk factors and causes

We know now that the failure of nerve cells is a major part of Alzheimer's disease - we just don't know why this happens. Still, certain risk factors have been identified that point to an increased risk of developing the disease.

Age
Increasing age is the single most significant risk factor we know for the development of Alzheimer's disease. Though it is not only a disease of the elderly, Alzheimer's occurs mostly in people aged 65 years and older. After age 65, your risk of developing the disease grows steadily, nearly doubling every five years, and reaching almost 50% in people over the age of 85.

Family history and genetics
We also know that family history plays a role in a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. People with a parent, brother or sister with Alzheimer's have been shown to be two to three times more likely to develop the disease, with the risk increasing if more than one family member has the illness.

The field of genetics has also contributed to our understanding of Alzheimer's, though much more work remains to be done. Scientists have so far identified one gene that increases the risk of Alzheimer's but does not guarantee that an individual will develop the disease. Research has also uncovered certain rare genes that virtually guarantee the development of Alzheimer's. These genes, thought to directly cause the disease, have been found in only a few hundred extended families around the world, which is why this form of the disorder is also known as Familial Alzheimer's disease. Less than 5% of cases are caused by Familial Alzheimer's, with the vast majority of cases believed to be caused by a complex combination of genetic and non-genetic factors.

Other risk factors
While age, family history and genetics are all risk factors over which we have no control, there are others that we may be able to influence. Research is beginning to reveal clues about such risk factors, including head injury and heart health.

There is convincing evidence that serious head injury and Alzheimer's are connected. Which is another good reason to protect your head by buckling your seat belt, wearing your helmet when participating in certain sports, and "fall-proofing" your home.

Some of the strongest evidence in Alzheimer's risk factor research links brain health to heart health. The risk of developing Alzheimer's or vascular dementia appears to be increased by many of the same conditions that damage the heart and blood vessels. These include heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Reducing these risk factors means working with your doctor to manage your heart health and treat any problems that may arise.

Lifestyle choices also seem to have an impact on Alzheimer's risk, with one promising line of research suggesting that strategies for overall healthy aging may help keep the brain healthy and may even offer some protection against Alzheimer's. Examples of healthy choices to consider include eating a healthy diet, staying socially active, avoiding tobacco and excess alcohol, and exercising both body and mind.

Aluminum - no longer believed to be a risk factor
In the 1960s and 1970s, there was a growing suspicion that aluminum could be a possible factor in causing Alzheimer's disease. This led to concerns about everyday exposure to aluminum through sources such as cooking pots, foil, beverage cans, antacids and antiperspirants. Studies have failed to confirm any role for aluminum in causing Alzheimer's, with almost all scientists today choosing to focus on other areas of research.

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