Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most complex diseases and it keeps progressing with years. However, many scientists are trying to actually figure out the exact factors which may be linked with this disease but not much has been discovered as of now. Therefore, today on World Alzheimer’s Day which is observed to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds it, we bring you a few risk factors which are common in people who happen to have Alzheimer’s disease.
Growing age
As per experts, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease almost doubles every 5 years in people who are above the age of 65. Half of the people who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease develop it after the age of 85. This makes growing age one of the biggest risk factors of having this disease.
Family history
If you have a family history of some members who have suffered from Alzheimer’s disease such as parents or siblings or other blood relatives in the last two generations, then the risk for you to have this disease is higher than those without any family history. It is important to keep in mind that Familial Alzheimer’s Disease just accounts for 1 per cent of all the cases. If a mother or father has Alzheimer's disease then every child has as much as 50 per cent chance of developing it.
Down’s syndrome
Most of the people who have Down’s syndrome and happen to reach late adulthood, can be at a high risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Head injury
This may sound a little dramatic but people who have suffered a head injury or have lost consciousness for around 15 minutes or so may have a significant chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease in comparison to those who haven't been through a head injury.
Older women
Women in their early 60s are usually at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than men of the same age. This can be possible due to the changes in women’s hormones specifically estrogens while going through menopause. Even the removal of ovaries through surgery can lead women to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Also, in a lot of cases, women who are prone to diabetes may happen to have an increased risk for the disease.
Lifestyle
Surprisingly, lifestyle habits can also put you at a risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Some health issues like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, may also increase the chances for you to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Poorly deteriorating diabetes condition is another risk factor. However, just keeping your body fit is not the only solution, you even need to keep exercising your mind. As per a few studies if you are mentally active in your later years, then the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease gets reduced.
