Causes of
Alzheimer’s Disease
At Fox Trail Memory Care Living, you will find compassionate Alzheimer’s care and support for residents and their families. We serve those in north and central New Jersey and Manhattan, NY, at our senior living communities offering home-like settings, which are specially designed with memory care in mind. Along with delivering professional care, our mission is to educate families so they can make informed decisions regarding the well-being of their loved ones. Discover what causes Alzheimer’s disease and the exceptional care you can experience at our memory care living communities.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder and the most common type of Dementia. The condition is characterized by changes in brain function due to deposits of certain proteins. As a result, the brain shrinks, leading to brain cells eventually dying. These changes cause the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease and affect a person’s ability to function normally.
Alzheimer’s disease affects many older adults. In 2023, an estimated 6.7 million people in the United States were living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to Alzheimer’s statistics from the National Library of Medicine. This number is expected to rise in the coming years.
What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease?
The underlying causes of Alzheimer’s disease aren’t fully understood, and research continues to uncover the full scope. Medical experts have determined the illness is the result of brain proteins failing to function as usual, causing disruption to brain cells and triggering a series of events, including brain cells becoming damaged and dying.
The proteins involved in causing Alzheimer’s are amyloid deposits, which form plaques around brain cells, and tau deposits, which form tangles within brain cells.
- Plaques: When fragments of beta-amyloid clump together, they appear to have a toxic effect on neurons. This impacts communication between brain cells and leads to larger deposits called amyloid plaques.
- Tangles: When Alzheimer’s disease is present, tau proteins change their structures into new shapes called neurofibrillary tangles. These tangles disrupt the brain’s ability to carry nutrients and other essential materials and cause damage to cells.
While the exact cause of these processes is still being studied, scientists have determined it happens years before individuals begin displaying symptoms. Most often, the cause of Alzheimer’s leads to damage in the region of the brain that controls memory. As the disease progresses, the brain shrinks significantly, resulting in the debilitating symptoms that accompany the disorder.
Other Factors Leading to Alzheimer’s
Much is still being discovered surrounding Alzheimer’s disease and its exact causes. However, experts believe the development of the condition is likely due to a combination of age-related changes in the brain and genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
Genetics
Parents pass down genes to their offspring, and these sections of DNA carry information that determines our physical traits and bodily functions. Variations in genes can impact a person’s likelihood of developing diseases, including Alzheimer’s.
It’s believed that Alzheimer’s does not have a single genetic cause in most cases. More than likely, it is influenced by multiple genes in combination with lifestyle and environmental factors. Scientists have discovered more than 80 genetic regions associated with Alzheimer’s. You might carry more than one genetic variant that increases or reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Not everyone who has Alzheimer’s has a history of the disease in their family. Still, having a parent or sibling diagnosed with the disease can put you at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those who don’t.
Environmental and Lifestyle Factors
Evidence suggests factors beyond genetics may play a role in the development and cause of Alzheimer’s. There is a correlation between cognitive decline and vascular conditions, most notably high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease. Scientists are also actively looking at the link between Alzheimer’s and metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity.
Other medical conditions that may play a part in Alzheimer’s disease include:
- Hearing loss
- Depression
- Mild cognitive impairment
- Traumatic brain injury, such as a concussion
While certain medical conditions and other known risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease may be uncontrollable, there are several ways you can reduce your risk, mainly by addressing certain lifestyle factors.
A nutrient-dense diet, routine physical activity, and social engagement have all been linked to healthy aging, and these lifestyle choices may reduce the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s. Although no research has concluded that making positive changes in these areas will prevent you from getting Alzheimer’s, they can lead to a healthier lifestyle overall.
Alzheimer’s Care at Fox Trail Memory Care Living
While research is still being conducted to better understand the exact causes of Alzheimer’s disease, one thing that’s not up for debate is the need for compassionate care for those living with the condition. When your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, you want them to be in a safe environment that accommodates their limitations.
Fox Trail Memory Care Living is here to help. We deliver person-centered Alzheimer’s care. Our services involve personalized elements that are unique to you, including your interests, hobbies, cognitive abilities, medical history, personality, and more.
The Alzheimer’s care available in our communities is designed for people with cognitive impairments. You will have private living quarters for rest and relaxation, and there are several recreational areas for gathering and socializing with others to make meaningful connections.
At Fox Trail Memory Care Living, we understand placing the care of your loved one in our hands is a difficult decision. To provide families with peace of mind, we assure the well-being of your loved one is our top priority. Our team of dementia-certified staff members provides 24/7 care to ensure your family member is always in expert hands. Our highly trained and dedicated team works collaboratively to meet the wide needs our residents have.
We aim to be more than just an assisted living home. Instead, we’ve created a memory care community that’s intended to help residents flourish. Our wellness and lifestyle programs provide residents with ample enrichment and socialization opportunities to improve their quality of life and achieve fulfilling aging. Our programs involve fun group activities that stimulate residents’ minds.
Take a Tour of Our Memory Care Communities
Professional and compassionate Alzheimer’s care and reliable education are available in northern and central New Jersey at Fox Trail Memory Care Living. Residents of our senior living communities can take part in our wide range of amenities and support services. You can tour our communities and see the type of care we offer firsthand. Contact us today to learn more about what causes Alzheimer’s disease and how our team can offer support.