What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease? - Tiger Medical Institute

What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease?

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“The first person to survive Alzheimer’s is out there now.” ~ The Alzheimer’s Association

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) development in the brain can begin many years before symptoms show.

This gives significant cause for concern.

In essence, Alzheimer’s Disease is a build-up of proteins in and around the brain cells. These proteins are called “Amyloid” and “Tau”.

What causes these proteins to build up is not fully known or understood. However, those with a lower level of the neurotransmitter “acetylcholine” typically have a higher risk profile.

Four Common Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease

  1. Age

Age continues to be the leading and most common cause of Alzheimer’s development in the brain.

After age 65, your risk of developing AD doubles every five years.

Though this development happens after age 65, around 1 in 20 cases of AD are in those younger than 65.

This type is often referred to as early onset dementia and can be noticeable in individuals around or older than the age of 40.

  1. Family History

Family genetics can often play a role in your risk of developing AD as you age. This is often due to the gene APoE4, which is associated with this highest risk profile for developing AD.

Though family genetics play a role in the risk, some steps can be taken to know what your risk factors are and what can be done to prevent or slow the development of the disease.

If you’re curious about how you can prevent AD from developing, click here.

  1. Head Injuries

Individuals who have experienced severe head injuries may be at a greater risk of developing AD.

An important note is that ANY head injury can be traumatic for the brain. You don’t need to be knocked out for a head injury to be significant.

If you think you’ve experienced a severe head injury, you have options for different scans and consults to see how your brain has responded to the incident.

  1. Cardiovascular Disease

Research shows that cardiovascular disease can promote a greater risk of AD.

Conditions that may lead to higher risk include:

Along with the above-listed possible contributors to a higher risk of AD, you could also experience factors such as unmanaged stress, ongoing and untreated depression or anxiety, loneliness, and a sedentary lifestyle.

The reduced risk may come from the following:

Next Steps

Want to learn more about Alzheimer’s and how to combat the disease? Are you concerned about Alzheimer’s Disease? Consult with one of our Tiger professionals to understand how you can prevent or slow the development of the disease.

Collin Adams

Collin Adams

Health Coach

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