Alzheimer’s disease is a devasting illness that has a profound impact on individuals living with it and their families. Sadly, Alzheimer’s statistics show nearly 7 million adults in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s disease.

Over time, the progressive brain disorder slowly limits cognitive function and eventually prevents the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. The disease is thought to be the result of abnormal buildup of proteins in and around brain cells.

Scientists are still researching to determine what exactly causes this buildup but have identified factors that can increase a person’s likelihood of developing the condition. The known risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease include:

Age

Age is the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. However, it’s important to note that Alzheimer’s disease is not a part of the normal aging process. Still, the chance of developing the condition increases as a person ages.

Most people with Alzheimer’s develop the degenerative brain disorder when they are 65 or older. Reports show that one in 10 people older than 65 and nearly a third of people older than 85 are living with Alzheimer’s. Once a person reaches the age of 54, their risk of developing Alzheimer’s doubles about every five years.

Although Alzheimer’s disease is most common in people over 65, younger adults are not immune to the condition. Some people develop the disease in their 40s or 50s. This is known as early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Although it is rare, about 5 percent of the 7 million people in the U.S. with Alzheimer’s have early onset.

Gender

There are more known cases of women over 65 with Alzheimer’s than there are men of the same age with the condition. This is likely because men have increasingly shorter lifespans compared to women. Studies show the average lifespan is about five years longer for women than men, with the gap expected to widen.

Additionally, women over the age of 80 demonstrate a higher likelihood of getting Alzheimer’s than men their age. The exact reason for this is still being studied. Much focus has been placed on menopause and whether it can impact a person’s risk of getting Alzheimer’s. While some reports indicate that very early menopause caused by medical treatment can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, not enough evidence points to menopause occurring naturally as being a risk factor.

Lifestyle

Some risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, such as age and gender assigned at birth, are uncontrollable and cannot be changed. However, certain lifestyle choices that can be controlled can influence a person’s likelihood of developing the condition.

Studies suggest that people who make healthy choices and live a healthy lifestyle, especially from ages 40 to 65 and onward, are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s. Healthy lifestyle choices can include:

• Not smoking
• Not consuming too much alcohol
• Eating a healthy balanced diet
• Engaging in routine physical activity
• Tending to social and emotional needs
• Getting enough sleep

While research can’t conclude whether making positive changes in these areas can prevent Alzheimer’s, doing so is beneficial to living a healthier lifestyle overall.

Family History

A person’s family history of Alzheimer’s disease can play a role in their probability of developing the condition themselves. Anyone with a parent or sibling diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is at a higher risk than those who don’t have a family history of this condition.

Family history plays a role in Alzheimer’s probability because, generally, families have many things in common, including their genes, environment, and lifestyle. Many habits, such as diet and exercise, are influenced by family, which can affect overall health and increase the risk for Alzheimer’s.

It should be noted that having a close relative with Alzheimer’s does mean the condition is guaranteed to be passed down, meaning not everyone with a history of Alzheimer’s in their family will develop the disease. Conversely, not everyone who develops the disorder has a family history of the disease.

Certain Medical Conditions

Living with certain medical conditions could increase a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Unmanaged chronic health issues, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, coronary artery disease, and other cardiovascular diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels have been linked to Alzheimer’s.

A history of concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can increase a person’s chances of getting Alzheimer’s disease. TBIs are the result of a sudden blow or jolt to the head, often affecting how a person thinks, feels, acts, and moves. 

Additionally, other medical conditions associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer’s include:

• Depression
• Hearing loss
• Mild cognitive impairment