Alzheimer's is a brain disorder in which a person loses their memory, and is the most common cause of dementia. It most commonly occurs in older adults aged 65 and above and includes cognitive, personality, and behavioural changes.
There are several risk factors, including genetic, environmental, and societal factors, that contribute to dementia.
According to a recent report by the National Library of Medicine, in 2024, there are 6.9 million adults 65 years and older in the US who are currently having Alzheimer’s disease.
Let's go through this post to learn more about the factors involved in early detection, prevention, and treatment.
Causes of Alzheimer's Disease
1. Age
As people get older, their chance of getting alzheimer's disease grows. Not everyone passing through this age gets this disease, but some factors contribute to this:
- High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Heart problem
- Depression
- Injury
- Alcohol & Smoking
With age, the brain also undergoes natural changes, leading to the accumulation of harmful substances such as sticky clumps called “amyloid plaques” and twisted fibers called “tau tangles” (hallmarks of Alzheimer's pathology).
2. Genetic
Family history and genetic mutation also play a key role in Alzheimer's. People with FDR (first-degree relatives, i.e, parents, siblings) are at high risk of getting alzheimer’s disease.
The most important gene linked with Alzheimer's is the APOE ε4 allele. People who inherit one gene of the APOE gene from their parents are at a higher risk.
Apart from the APOE gene, mutations in other genes, such as PSEN1 (Presenilin 1), PSEN2, and APP (Amyloid Precursor Protein), cause Alzheimer's disease, often starting before age 65, leading to the formation of excess amyloid protein and plaques.
Note: Scientists often use the Rabbit PSEN1 Polyclonal Antibody in their research to detect Presenilin 1 in brain tissue, helping them understand genetic mutations that lead to disease.
3. Gender
Research shows that women are at high risk of getting Alzheimer's disease. According to a recent study by the Alzheimer's Association, almost two-thirds of Americans living with Alzheimer's are women.
Biological differences between men and women, such as hormonal changes (i.e., menopause), lead to increased risk in women. The drop in estrogen level after menopause affects brain health, leading to memory loss and confusion.
4. Lifestyle and environmental factors
A person's lifestyle also impacts an individual and increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's.
This includes:
- Poor cardiovascular health
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Poor diet
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through physical exercise, taking a balanced diet, and engaging in brain games can keep your brain healthy.
5. Injury
Head injury, including traumatic brain injury (TBI), can also be one of the important factors contributing to memory loss in later life. Athletes and people who have had a head injury are at risk of developing sticky clumps (amyloid plaques) and twisted fibers (tau tangles).
Final Thought
Alzheimer's disease is a complex condition caused by genetic, lifestyle, or age factors. If you are caring for someone having this problem or are in the early stage of dementia, then maintaining a healthy lifestyle, physical activities, and a balanced diet can reduce the risk of getting it worse.
Although there is no permanent cure for this yet, scientists are still studying to better understand the disease and find a treatment.
This article is part of the HealthManagement.org Point-of-View Programme.
