Alzheimer’s Top Risk Factors (2)

Alzheimer’s disease involves the malfunction or death of the nerve cells, but it’s not yet known why this occurs. Scientists continue to study this, but several key risk factors have been determined, in regards to Alzheimer’s disease. After considering the risk factors, this helps us find out more about the disease and, expectantly, may suggest ways of avoiding it. The most well known risk factor of Alzheimer’s disease is age. Most patients don’t suffer the disease until they are at least 65 years of age but, once they reach this age, the probability of developing Alzheimer’s doubles every five years or so, after the age of 65. By the time a person is 85 years of age, there is typically a 50% chance that they will develop this disease.

One more key factor in the development of Alzheimer’s disease is family history and genetics. Research has shown that those who have a sibling or parent with Alzheimer’s disease are 2-3 times more likely to develop this disease. The more family members who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the greater the risk factor that a patient will develop this. Moreover, scientists have identified one gene that is known to raise the risk of a person developing Alzheimer’s, as well as definite rare genes that virtually guarantee that a person will contract a form of dementia, later in life.

While not yet proven, many researchers are exploring similarities between those who suffer Alzheimer’s disease and those who have heart disease or other connected problems, such as high cholesterol. Modern studies have shown an increased presence of plaques and tangles in the brains of patients who have suffered from strokes or similar injury. While the jury remains out on this, many suggest that a good way of helping to control Alzheimer’s disease is to keep an active and fit lifestyle, eat healthy and to promote the use of the brain, every day, through things like reading, mathematical problems or number games, and crossword puzzles. Several studies suggest that one needs to stay socially active and still more show a connection between head injuries and Alzheimer’s disease. Keeping the body fit, active, healthy and protected seem to be the greatest methods of lessening one’s chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease.