Causes of Alzheimer’s Disease and Risk Factors

  • Alzheimers
    Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disorder (disorder of the nervous system) in which the death of brain cells causes memory loss and cognitive decline. 
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 11 September 2015

What causes Alzheimer’s disease?

  • Scientists believe that for most people, Alzheimer's disease results from a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors that affect the brain over time.
     
  • Although the causes of Alzheimer's are not yet fully understood, its effect on the brain is clear. Alzheimer's disease damages and kills brain cells.
     
  • As more and more brain cells die, Alzheimer's leads to significant brain shrinkage. 

What are the risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease?

  • Age 
  • Family history
  • Genetic - Having a certain gene (the apolipoprotein E or APOE gene)
  • Risk factors for vascular disease - including diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure
  • Low educational and occupational attainment
  • Prior head injury
  • Sleep disorders
Community
Alzheimer's and Dementia
Condition
Alzheimers

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