Alzheimer\u2019s disease attacks the brain, primarily damaging cells that impact memory and thinking. For decades, medical scientists have been studying Alzheimer\u2019s disease<\/a>. While there is still no cure, much research has been conducted into the causes of the disease. Now, we are more aware of how genetics impact a person\u2019s risk of developing Alzheimer\u2019s disease, as well as other potential causes of the condition.<\/p>\n
Scientists are yet to fully understand exactly how genetic mutations may lead to the development of the disease. However, they do know that genetics are a factor in a person\u2019s risk of developing Alzheimer\u2019s disease. Studies have shown that people who have parents or siblings living with Alzheimer\u2019s are at slightly higher risk of developing the condition.<\/p>\n
As we age, we are more likely to develop Alzheimer\u2019s disease. Most people with Alzheimer\u2019s disease are over the age of 65. After we reach 65, our risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease doubles every five years. Once we reach the age of 85, that risk increases to nearly one-third<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Women are more at risk of being affected by Alzheimer\u2019s disease. However, this is likely because women have a longer life expectancy than men, and as such, are more likely to develop Alzheimer\u2019s disease in their later years.<\/p>\n
One study has shown that hormones may also have an impact on Alzheimer\u2019s disease<\/a>. After menopause, the level of estrogen drops in a woman\u2019s body. Scientists theorise that estrogen is effective in protecting the brain of young women, and as these levels drop due to natural ageing, the brain may become more susceptible to the disease.<\/p>\n
Research has shown that lifestyle is linked to the risk of developing Alzheimer\u2019s disease. Heart health is particularly important and can impact how likely we are to develop the disease later in life. Older adults with coronary artery disease or peripheral arterial disease have been proven to be at higher risk of dementia and Alzheimer\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n
In our younger years, eating well, exercising regularly, eliminating cigarettes, limiting alcohol, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol can keep both our heart and our brain healthy.<\/p>\n
Long-standing quality of sleep can be a factor in a person\u2019s likelihood of developing Alzheimer\u2019s disease. According to a study published in\u00a0JAMA Neurology<\/a>, adults who experienced poor or limited sleep had an increased build-up of beta-amyloid plaques in their brain, which can increase the risk of Alzheimer\u2019s disease. However, more research has to be done into this theory, as scientists are not sure whether poor sleep is a cause of Alzheimer\u2019s or, alternatively, if sleep is affected in the early stages of the disease.<\/p>\n
Research has found that people who are already living with mild cognitive impairment may be at increased risk of developing Alzheimer\u2019s. Scientists are still trying to discover why this may be the case. Research in 2006 found that the existence of certain proteins in the brain, such as beta-amyloid, increases the risk of developing Alzheimer\u2019s disease<\/a>. People living with mild cognitive impairment may have these proteins present in their brain. This may not majorly impact a person\u2019s day-to-day life, but it can impact memory, thinking skills, visual perception, and decision-making skills.<\/p>\n
According to the Alzheimer\u2019s Association, there is a link between brain injury and an increased risk of dementia. The brain creates large amounts of beta-amyloid after an injury, which as mentioned above, can lead to the development of Alzheimer\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n
Brain use over the course of a person\u2019s lifetime may also impact the risk of developing Alzheimer\u2019s. People who regularly stimulate their brains with challenging mental activities have been proven to have fewer beta-amyloid deposits in their brain<\/a>. It is important that these brain activities are carried out throughout a person\u2019s entire lifetime, however, early and middle life brain training is associated with the biggest reduction in risk.<\/p>\n
We hope that this article has provided some useful insight into some of the causes of Alzheimer\u2019s disease. If you\u2019re caring for someone with Alzheimer\u2019s disease, Brain Sparks\u2019\u00a0Dementia Live\u00ae<\/a>\u00a0course may be of benefit to you. The course immerses carers in the experience of living with Dementia to give them powerful insights for effectively communicating with those in their care.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"