RisksA risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.
It is possible to develop Alzheimer’s disease with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
There are still many questions regarding the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease, so risk factors are still being identified. Currently, risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease include:
Age is the most important known risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease. The number of people with Alzheimer’s disease doubles every five years beyond age 65 until age 85, when almost 50% of all people have the disease.
Alzheimer’s disease affects both men and women, but women may have a slightly higher risk of developing the disease than men. Some experts believe that this is due to the fact that women live longer than men, but others dispute this claim.
Individuals with a first-degree relative of someone with Alzheimer’s disease (a parent or sibling) have a two- to three-times risk of developing the disease when compared to the rest of the population. In addition, there has been a clear genetic link established for an early-onset form of Alzheimer’s disease (occurs in people during their 30s, 40s, and early 50s), and a genetic link is suspected for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. However, a specific gene has not yet been identified. One gene that has been implicated as being a major risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease is the ApoE4 gene. Scientists continue to study the role of genetic factors in the development of this disease.
Head Injuries —There are some studies that suggest that people who suffered a serious, traumatic head injury at some time in their lives may be at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Down Syndrome —Nearly all people with Down syndrome who live to be age 40 or older develop Alzheimer’s disease. Women who give birth before age 35 to a child with Down syndrome are also at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
High Cholesterol and Hypertension — Recent research suggests that people who have high cholesterol and high blood pressure may be at increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
B Vitamin Deficiency —Low levels of the vitamin B12 and folate have been linked to a development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Mental Activity and Education
Some research has suggested that people who have higher education levels and continue to be mentally active and engaged in their later years are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. However, some experts suggest that this finding may actually be due to the fact that those with higher education levels tend to do better on the psychological tests used to diagnose Alzheimer’s.
Some theories suggest that Alzheimer’s disease may be linked to exposure to certain environmental factors, such as toxins, certain viruses and bacteria, certain metals, or electromagnetic fields, but there is currently no conclusive evidence to support these theories.
Alzheimer’s Association website. Available at: http://www.alz.org/ .
PreventionBecause the causes are unknown, there are currently no guidelines for reducing your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists are studying medications and lifestyle factors (such as diet, mental activity, and exercise) that may help ward off the condition. Although still disputed by some experts, there is some evidence that long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can lower your risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
In contrast, early studies indicated that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in women decreased the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. However, recent studies showed that HRT may actually increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in postmenopausal women. As our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease grows, your healthcare provider may have more information regarding steps for reducing your risk as you age.
National Institute on Aging. National Institutes of Health website. Available at: http://www.nia.nih.gov/ .
Last reviewed April 2007 by Roshni N. Patel, MD
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.