Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common form of dementia, happens when brain cells become damaged, seriously affecting one’s memory, learning skills and ability to complete daily tasks by themselves.

However, what causes that damage is still being studied.

Alzheimer’s disease is thought to be caused by the abnormal buildup of certain proteins inside and outside of brain cells, which make it difficult for the cells to communicate with each other and function properly.

Experts aren’t exactly sure why the buildup of proteins occurs, but they suggest genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors play a role.

What are risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease?

Some risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease can’t be controlled whereas for other risk factors, we can make changes to lower our chances of developing the condition.

Here are some factors researchers suggest might be linked to the memory disorder:

Factors that can’t be changed

• Age – This is the biggest risk factor. The condition mainly affects those 65 and older and your chance of developing it after this age doubles every five years.
• Genetics – Family history of the disease is thought to play a role as you’re more likely to have Alzheimer’s if a first-degree relative had it. There are a few gene mutations that almost guarantee the disease will occur, but these are rare. We’re still working to better understand the link between genes and Alzheimer’s disease.
• Down syndrome – If you have Down syndrome, you’re at a much higher risk for the disease.

Modifiable factors

• Diet and exercise
• Excessive alcohol use
• Cardiovascular issues – Conditions, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, can increase the chances of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Poor sleep patterns
• Traumatic brain injury
• Mental apathy – Studies have shown that adults who engage in mentally and socially engaging activities — reading, doing puzzles, learning new skills, meeting with friends — can decrease your risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

While you cannot entirely prevent Alzheimer’s disease, making modifications to these lifestyle or environmental factors may decrease your overall risk of developing a dementia-related condition.

If you have a few of these risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease or concerns about symptoms you are experiencing, you can schedule an appointment.

What causes Alzheimer’s disease?

While researchers don’t fully understand what leads these risk factors to cause the protein buildup inside and outside of brain cells, it’s believed that the proteins block the brain cells from communicating and functioning properly. That causes the cells to die.

These damages typically appear first in the area of the brain that affects learning and memory, which is why the first symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is often not being able to remember newly learned information.

However, the damage begins years before symptoms occur. Eventually, the loss of brain cells spreads to other areas of the brain.

When looking at the proteins that cause Alzheimer’s disease, experts have focused on two specific abnormal structures called plaques and tangles.

• Plaques: These are deposits of a protein called beta-amyloid that build up between brain cells.
• Tangles: Another protein, called tau, twists to form these and they build up inside brain cells.

Everyone experiences some buildup of these proteins as they age, but someone with Alzheimer’s disease has far more and they appear in a much more predictable pattern.

Can I get Alzheimer’s disease if I’m younger than 65?

Even though Alzheimer’s disease most commonly affects people older than 65, it can develop and cause symptoms in younger people.

When that happens, it’s referred to as early-onset Alzheimer’s disease or younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease. This condition can strike when someone is even in their 40s and 50s, which can make getting an accurate diagnosis difficult as we mainly think of the disease happening in someone older.