Category: Disease

How To Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease is a prevalent form of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and decision-making abilities. It ranks as the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. While it is not possible to prevent Alzheimer’s, certain measures can help reduce the risk of developing the disease. These practices are beneficial for overall health and well-being. Understanding the risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s and implementing preventive strategies can be advantageous. Who Is Most at Risk? Alzheimer’s disease is more prevalent among individuals over the age of 65, and the risk increases with advancing age. Most individuals with Alzheimer’s develop symptoms around the age of 65 or older, which is referred to as late-onset Alzheimer’s and is the most common form of the disease. Early-onset Alzheimer’s, on the other hand, is less common and affects approximately 10% of individuals with Alzheimer’s. It can manifest between a person’s 30s and mid-60s. Genetics Genetics plays a role in both early-onset and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, although the specific mechanisms are still being studied. In some cases of early-onset Alzheimer’s, genetic mutations are believed to be responsible for the condition. However, the causes of late-onset Alzheimer’s are more complex and likely involve a combination of genetic factors, environmental influences, and lifestyle choices. Individuals with Down syndrome, who have an extra copy of chromosome 21, are more susceptible to developing Alzheimer’s disease. The presence of three copies of this chromosome is associated with increased production of a protein called amyloid, which forms clumps known as plaques in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. The exact role of amyloid in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s is still being researched. Understanding the genetic and molecular factors involved in Alzheimer’s disease can provide valuable insights for potential treatments and preventive measures in the future. How To Reduce Risk Although it is not currently possible to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, there are certain risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing the condition. Age and genetic makeup are factors that cannot be controlled. However, by focusing on lifestyle and behavior, it may be possible to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Making healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent conditions such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes, which are associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s. While there are no guarantees, adopting a healthy lifestyle can potentially decrease the chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Lifestyle Habits Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can have numerous benefits for overall health, including the potential to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Here are some actions you can take to lead a healthy lifestyle and potentially lower your chances of developing Alzheimer’s: Manage high blood pressure: Keeping your blood pressure under control is important as high blood pressure can have detrimental effects on your brain, heart, and blood vessels. Control blood sugar levels: Consistently elevated blood sugar levels can increase the risk of various diseases and impair memory, learning, and concentration. Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is associated with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other conditions. Monitoring your waist-to-height ratio can be a useful indicator of obesity-related health risks. Follow a healthy diet: Consume a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, seafood, unsaturated fats (like olive oil), and low-fat or nonfat dairy products. Limit consumption of foods high in unhealthy fats and sugars, including ultra-processed foods. Engage in regular physical activity: Exercise not only benefits overall health but may also play a role in Alzheimer’s prevention. Strive for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, such as brisk walking or cycling for 30 minutes on five days. Stimulate your mind: Keep your brain active by participating in activities such as board games, puzzles, creative endeavors like painting or writing, reading, learning new skills, working, volunteering, and socializing. Foster social connections: Avoid isolation and loneliness, which can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. Stay connected with loved ones and engage in social activities or join clubs or groups to maintain social connections. Address hearing problems: Properly treating hearing difficulties is important, as communication challenges can impact cognitive function. Protect your ears from loud noises to prevent hearing loss. Prioritize sufficient sleep: Aim for seven to eight hours of quality sleep per night. Consult a healthcare provider if you experience any sleep-related issues. Prevent falls and head injuries: Head injuries are associated with a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Take measures to prevent falls, such as making your home fall-proof, wearing supportive shoes with nonskid soles, and participating in fall prevention programs. Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can contribute to falls and exacerbate other health conditions, including memory loss. Limit alcohol consumption to one or two drinks per day at most. Don’t smoke: Quitting smoking improves overall health, reduces the risk of serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and certain cancers, and may also lower the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s. It’s important to note that while these lifestyle habits can potentially reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, there are no guarantees. However, adopting these recommendations will contribute to overall health and potentially decrease the chances of developing various health problems. Testing and Screenings Regular testing and screenings are important for maintaining both mental and physical health. By getting an annual physical, you and your healthcare provider can monitor your overall well-being and conduct any necessary additional testing. This ensures that you receive all the recommended screenings based on your age and sex. If you or your loved ones notice memory problems, healthcare providers will conduct tests to determine the cause, whether it is related to Alzheimer’s or another condition. They will engage in discussions with you (and possibly a family member) to gather information about your general health, medications (including supplements), diet, medical history, ability to perform daily tasks, and any changes in behavior or personality. Although you might be hesitant to involve a family member, their observations can provide valuable insights into early signs of Alzheimer’s that you may not have

How Is Alzheimer’s Disease Treated? Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive brain disorder that affects cognitive abilities, such as memory, thinking, and language. It is most commonly seen in individuals aged 65 and older and can significantly impact daily activities. While there is currently no cure for AD, treatments are available to help slow the progression of the disease and alleviate symptoms. Ongoing research offers hope for improved treatment options and prevention methods. Medication is a primary component of AD treatment, with some medications aimed at symptom management and others focused on slowing disease progression. Lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet and engaging in mental and physical activities, may also be recommended by healthcare providers. It is important to note that treatment approaches will vary based on individual circumstances and the stage of AD. In the early stages, individuals may be able to manage their treatment independently, but as the disease advances, the support of loved ones or professional caregivers becomes crucial. Medications The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved seven medications for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Among these medications, five are designed to alleviate symptoms, while the remaining two are aimed at slowing the progression of the disease. Medications to Treat Symptoms When Alzheimer’s disease progresses, individuals may experience a decline in cognitive function, leading to difficulties in daily tasks, memory loss, decision-making challenges, and other symptoms. Behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as social disengagement, sadness, anxiety, or aggression, may also arise, significantly impacting quality of life. These symptoms result from the degeneration of brain cells and impaired communication between nerve cells. To provide temporary relief for mild symptoms, healthcare providers may prescribe medications to manage these symptoms. If you or a loved one is receiving care for Alzheimer’s disease, you may be under the supervision of a primary care provider or a neurologist specializing in brain and spinal cord disorders. Your provider may recommend one of the following medications for treatment: Cholinesterase inhibitors: Medications such as donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne) are commonly prescribed to improve memory, thinking, and communication abilities by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. NMDA receptor antagonist: Memantine (Namenda) is an NMDA receptor antagonist that regulates the activity of glutamate, a brain chemical involved in learning and memory. It may be prescribed to help improve cognitive function and delay symptom progression. It’s important to discuss the potential benefits and side effects of these medications with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on individual circumstances. To treat Alzheimer’s disease symptoms, there are three primary types of medications: cholinesterase inhibitors, glutamate regulators, and a combination of both. Cholinesterase inhibitors work by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, a natural brain chemical essential for learning and memory. These medications are typically prescribed for individuals with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Commonly prescribed cholinesterase inhibitors include donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne). Side effects of these medications may include loss of appetite, increased urination, and gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea or vomiting. Glutamate regulators are medications that help control the activity of glutamate, a brain chemical involved in information processing. They are often used to treat individuals with moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease. Memantine (Namenda) is a commonly prescribed glutamate regulator. Side effects of glutamate regulators may include headache, constipation, dizziness, or confusion. For individuals with severe Alzheimer’s symptoms, a combination medication called Namzaric (donepezil and memantine) may be prescribed. Namzaric combines the effects of a cholinesterase inhibitor and a glutamate regulator. Medications to Slow the Disease Process The two FDA-approved medications that can help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease are memantine (Namenda) and donepezil (Aricept). These drugs are classified as disease-modifying therapies and are used to slow down the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Memantine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that helps regulate the activity of glutamate, a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory. It is typically prescribed for individuals with moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease. Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor that works by increasing the levels of acetylcholine in the brain. It is commonly prescribed for individuals with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease. While these medications cannot reverse the damage already done by Alzheimer’s disease or restore lost cognitive function, they can provide some benefit by slowing down the progression of symptoms and preserving cognitive abilities for a period of time. It is important to be aware of the ongoing research and discussions surrounding the effectiveness and potential risks of medications for Alzheimer’s disease. The FDA’s accelerated approval of memantine and donepezil indicates that they have shown promise in early studies, but further research is still needed to confirm their effectiveness and assess any long-term effects. The decision to use these medications should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider who can evaluate the individual’s specific condition, weigh the potential benefits and risks, and consider available treatment options. If there are concerns or questions about these medications, seeking a second opinion from an Alzheimer’s disease specialist can provide additional insights and guidance. For individuals interested in participating in clinical trials for Alzheimer’s medications, discussing the options with healthcare providers and exploring trial opportunities can be beneficial. Clinical trials play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and developing more effective treatments. Staying informed about the latest research developments and having open discussions with healthcare providers can help individuals and their loved ones make informed decisions about Alzheimer’s treatment and care. Lifestyle Changes Non-medication treatments and lifestyle strategies play an essential role in managing Alzheimer’s disease and improving quality of life. While they may not directly impact the underlying biological processes in the brain, these strategies can still help maintain cognitive function, enhance daily functioning, and provide a sense of purpose and well-being. Here are some recommended lifestyle strategies for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease: Engage in cognitively stimulating activities: Activities that challenge the brain, such as reading, playing games, solving puzzles, or engaging in hobbies, can help maintain cognitive abilities and mental stimulation.

How Alzheimer’s Disease Progresses: From Diagnosis Through the 7 Stages Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder commonly affecting older adults, characterized by memory loss, confusion, behavioral changes, and other distressing symptoms. It is the most prevalent form of dementia, with approximately 10.7% of Americans aged 65 and above living with the condition, with women accounting for nearly two-thirds of cases.1 As the baby boomer generation enters their senior years, the number of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease is projected to reach 7.16 million by 2025 and 13.9 million by 2060. To aid in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Barry Reisberg, a psychiatrist at New York University School of Medicine, developed the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), which defines seven distinct clinical stages of the disease.3 These stages are often summarized into a three-stage classification system: early stage, middle stage, and late stage. The early stages encompass GDS stages one to three, the middle stages include stages four and five, and the late stages comprise stages six and seven.11 Medical examinations play a crucial role in determining the stage of Alzheimer’s disease. Physicians typically rely on clinical interviews and medical evaluations during the diagnostic process. The clinical interview involves discussing the person’s symptoms and feelings, as well as cognitive assessments like counting backward from 50. Depending on the stage of Alzheimer’s, these interviews may be conducted with or without a caregiver present.8 Furthermore, medical evaluations involve brain imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans. These scans help identify brain abnormalities like tumors, strokes, fluid accumulation, or other damage resulting from head trauma. Brain imaging is primarily used to rule out other neurological conditions and detect shrinkage of the hippocampus, the region responsible for memory and learning, which indicates signs of memory loss. Stage 1: Preclinical Alzheimer’s disease, No Sign of Dementia In the initial stage of the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), individuals do not experience any memory or thinking issues. All individuals, including those who will not develop Alzheimer’s disease, start at stage one. These first three stages are referred to as the "preclinical stages" of the disease, and they cannot be detected through clinical interviews and medical evaluations. An alternative examination method that may detect early signs of Alzheimer’s is the use of biomarkers. Biomarkers are biological indicators that measure the presence of a disease in the body. Examples of biomarkers include blood pressure, heart rate, and x-rays. Some biomarkers, such as levels of beta-amyloid proteins and tau proteins, were initially believed to be early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease. However, a study published in Science in July 2022 raised questions about the significance of beta-amyloid proteins as a primary predictor of Alzheimer’s disease. While scientists acknowledge that beta-amyloid proteins likely play a role in understanding the disease, further research may explore other protein theories. Currently, healthcare providers are more likely to use a comprehensive approach, including behavioral and cognitive tests, for an accurate diagnosis. Stage 2: Very Mild Cognitive Decline, Age-Related In the second stage of Alzheimer’s disease, symptoms may become noticeable. However, similar to the first stage, clinical interviews and evaluations may not provide significant evidence of dementia. During this stage, individuals may start experiencing growing memory problems, such as difficulty remembering familiar names or struggling to recall the location of items like keys or wallets. These issues are often attributed to normal age-related declines in cognitive function. Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Impairment In the third stage of Alzheimer’s disease, also known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), there is clearer evidence of memory loss, lack of focus, and trouble thinking. According to the GDS, individuals experiencing two or more of the following symptoms are considered to be at stage 3: Getting lost when going to a new location Decline in work performance that is noticeable to coworkers Difficulty remembering names or finding the right words Retaining or remembering very little of what was just read Trouble remembering the names of newly-introduced people Losing valuable or cherished objects Worsening job performance Difficulty socializing with others Denial of memory problems or cognitive issues Anxiety related to memory difficulties During this stage, clinical tests and evaluations can pick up signs of impairment, particularly issues related to concentration. Stage 4: Mild Dementia, Moderate Cognitive Decline In stage 4 of Alzheimer’s disease, clear signs of the condition can be detected in clinical interviews and through careful evaluation. Individuals in this stage may experience difficulty remembering aspects of their personal life experiences and have reduced comprehension of current events. Some of the defining signs of stage 4 include: Reduced understanding of current events or news Difficulty remembering aspects of personal history and life experiences Inability to perform subtraction by 7 starting from 100, as assessed through a cognitive test Inability to travel independently, handle finances, or perform complex tasks Denial of memory problems Lack of emotional expression (flat affect) Frequent withdrawal from challenging or stressful social situations People in stage 4 of Alzheimer’s disease generally retain awareness of the time and day, their location, and the ability to recognize familiar faces. Stage 5: Moderate Dementia, Moderately Severe Decline In the fifth stage of Alzheimer’s disease, which is known as moderate dementia, memory and cognitive deficits are evident through clinical evaluation and interviews. Individuals in this stage may experience the following: Trouble remembering important aspects of their life, such as their address, names of close friends or family members, or their hometown and schools. Difficulty identifying the current date, day of the week, or season. Inability to count down from 20 by twos or fours. Difficulty getting dressed independently. Some individuals may still retain long-term memories of major life events or the names of their spouse and children. Motor tasks, such as using the restroom or eating, may still be performed independently. Stage 6: Moderately Severe Dementia In the sixth stage of Alzheimer’s disease, individuals experience noticeable difficulty with memory and thinking. The general characteristics of stage 6 include: Occasional inability to remember the names of a spouse,

What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease? Dementia, which includes memory loss, thinking difficulties, and the inability to reason logically, is the end result of Alzheimer’s disease, a degenerative neurological (brain) disorder. Most cases occur in those over the age of 65, and age itself is the greatest risk factor associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is not brought on by aging. It may take years, or even decades, before you experience any symptoms because of complex brain changes. Scientists think that predisposing variables include both heredity and environmental/lifestyle choices. Alzheimer’s disease can manifest in either an early or a late onset form. The beginning of symptoms for a late-onset illness often occurs in people aged 65 and over. It accounts for the vast majority of cases of Alzheimer’s disease. Fewer than 10 percent of Alzheimer’s patients experience early onset, with symptoms appearing between the ages of 30 and 65. Predicting who may get Alzheimer’s disease remains a major challenge. Scientists are continuously investigating potential risk factors, and have proposed several ideas as to the nature of the brain alterations that trigger the illness. This is the current state of their proposals: Hypotheses Alzheimer’s disease causes extensive degeneration of neurons and the synapses between them, first affecting the regions of the brain responsible for memory. Cognitive and physical impairments worsen as damage to the brain progresses. Because of this, brain size decreases physically. Both cholinergic and amyloid explanations have been proposed to explain the disease’s onset and progression. The Cholinergic Postulate The cholinergic hypothesis has been around longer than any other theory to explain Alzheimer’s. Cognitive processes (including learning and comprehension) rely heavily on the brain’s cholinergic neurons. Alzheimer’s patients have a significant deficit in acetylcholine (ACh), a chemical messenger in the brain critical for learning, memory, and other cognitive processes. The only FDA-approved Alzheimer’s drugs work by keeping the brain’s supply of ACh from depleting. These medications may alleviate cognitive problems in the short term, but they do nothing to prevent permanent brain damage. The Amyloid Theory Amyloid plaques were once thought to be generated in the brain due to excessively high amounts of beta-amyloid (a protein that surrounds the nerve cells). These plaques are suspected to have a role in the dementia that characterizes Alzheimer’s disease. The beta-amyloid theory originated from a seminal publication that appeared in Nature in 2006. However, beta-amyloid medicines did not alleviate Alzheimer’s symptoms. Scientists have discovered that age-related amyloid plaques appear in persons who do not get Alzheimer’s disease. Then, in July of 2022, a research published in Science threw serious doubt on this central concept. According to the findings of one neuroscientist, the photos used in the 2006 study were doctored. Since then, scientists have taken a more cautious approach to the beta-amyloid theory. New evidence regarding beta-amyloid’s function in Alzheimer’s disease was shown in a November 2022 clinical study of a drug named Leqembi (lecanemab). After 18 months, patients who used lecanemab reported a modest improvement in their symptoms. To definitively prove the idea, more tests and studies are required. New potential causes of neuron death are also being investigated. Is Alzheimer’s Disease Hereditary? Children may inherit specific mutations that cause early-onset Alzheimer’s disease from their parents in some situations. When this occurs, illness is due to a mutated gene. If there is a history of Alzheimer’s disease in your family, you may want to talk to a doctor about getting genetic testing. It is estimated that genetics have a role in about 70% of Alzheimer’s cases. However, there is less certainty about the genetics of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. When it comes to late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, apolipoprotein E (APOE) is the most influential gene. The APOE gene exists in at least one form (or variation) in every human being. Inheriting the 4 variations, however, increases your risk of developing the condition. However, carrying the uncommon APOE 2 mutation can protect you from developing Alzheimer’s disease. Who Typically Develops Alzheimer’s? The risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease varies from person to person. Some examples of potential risk factors are: Age: Age is the most significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s, with symptoms typically starting after the age of 65. The percentage of people affected by Alzheimer’s increases with age, and around 40% of individuals over the age of 85 have the disease. Biological sex and gender: Nearly two-thirds of Alzheimer’s cases occur in individuals assigned female at birth. However, this may be attributed to the fact that women tend to live longer than men on average. In the United States, the rates of Alzheimer’s development at each age are similar between women and men. Recent studies have also revealed biases in older research regarding sex and gender. Ethnicity: Black and Hispanic populations were previously considered to be at a higher risk of Alzheimer’s. However, newer studies have challenged this idea, suggesting that socioeconomic factors and health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, which are more prevalent in these populations, may contribute to the differences in risk. Structural racism can also impact other social and environmental risk factors for Alzheimer’s. It’s important to note that these factors contribute to the overall risk but do not guarantee the development of Alzheimer’s. Ongoing research aims to further understand the complex interplay of these factors and develop strategies for prevention and treatment. Risk Factors There are various conditions, injuries, and circumstances that have been identified as potential contributors to the development of Alzheimer’s disease: Vascular (Blood Vessel) Conditions: High blood pressure (hypertension), heart disease, and stroke are examples of vascular conditions that can impact the blood supply to the brain. These issues can lead to brain inflammation and eventually increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. Metabolic Conditions: Conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high LDL cholesterol levels, and obesity, particularly when experienced during midlife, have been associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Depression: Depression has been linked to an elevated risk of Alzheimer’s. Although there is limited evidence, treatment with antidepressants may potentially reduce this risk. It is

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease? Deterioration in cognitive capacities including thinking, memory, language, judgment, and learning are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a degenerative brain disorder. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) reports that there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but that certain medicines may help with symptom management. Alzheimer’s disease often strikes adults over the age of 65 (in more than 90% of cases). A research published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia in March 2021 estimated that 6.2% of the 65+ population in the United States were living with Alzheimer’s disease that year. Without a medical breakthrough, the illness might affect 13.8 million Americans by 2060, when the population is expected to have increased further. Knowing the symptoms, causes, and potential dangers of Alzheimer’s disease is crucial. Why Do We Have Alzheimer’s? Alzheimer’s disease is often misdiagnosed as dementia and vice versa. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) defines dementia as "persistent and severe cognitive impairment that causes significant distress or impairment in daily life." This includes difficulties with thinking, remembering, and reasoning. Alzheimer’s disease is the most typical cause of dementia and is associated with permanent brain abnormalities. According to a report published in Nature Reviews Disease Primers in May 2021, 60-90% of patients with dementia have Alzheimer’s disease. Natural cognitive changes are possible as people age. On rare occasions, people may experience memory lapses, misplace items, or struggle to express themselves adequately. Memory, learning, judgment, and personality are all affected in people with Alzheimer’s disease. The March 2021 report states that these symptoms are disruptive to daily life. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), persons with Alzheimer’s may experience hallucinations and a loss of ability to care for oneself as the illness develops. Alzheimer’s disease can manifest in either an early or a late onset form. Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease often affects people in their 30s to mid-60s. According to the NIA, this only accounts for around 10% of all instances of Alzheimer’s. The typical onset age for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease is the mid-60s. According to StatPearls, the average lifespan of a person with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease is 4-8 years, however this can be as high as 20 years in certain cases. According to the NIA, the delay between diagnosis and death increases with patient age. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a kind of dementia that can be caused by Alzheimer’s disease but often only impairs one or two cognitive functions (such as memory) and does not cause significant functional impairment. Temporary factors like medicine, alcohol, or a head injury can trigger MCI without causing it to proceed to dementia. According to Alzheimers.gov, there is hope for certain patients. According to the study published in May 2021, Alzheimer’s causes around 50% of instances of MCI. Causes Because it affects the brain’s nerve cells (neurons), Alzheimer’s is classified as a neurodegenerative disorder. The shrinking and inflammation of the brain are brought on by changes in neurons and the loss of connections between them. The March 2021 article indicates that this process can begin long before any symptoms appear. Amyloid plaques and tau tangles were once thought to be the primary biological brain alterations in understanding Alzheimer’s disease. Outside of neurons, amyloid plaques (clumps of poisonous beta-amyloid 42 protein) accumulate. Naturally occurring beta-amyloid 42 is elevated to pathological levels in Alzheimer’s disease. Inside neurons, tau tangles develop when tau molecules clump together in an unnatural way. According to the NIA, neuronal microtubules (structures that give form to and route nutrients through the neuron) are typically stabilized by tau molecules. However, a July 2022 study suggested that the significance of beta-amyloid proteins as a main predictor of Alzheimer’s disease may have been exaggerated due to the use of faked research data. Researchers into Alzheimer’s disease continue to hold that beta-amyloid proteins are crucial to our knowledge of the illness. However, this discovery may prompt researchers to investigate alternative protein models. According to the NIA, the causes and consequences of these metabolic alterations on mental capacity remain unknown. Some genetic, environmental, and behavioral risk factors have been identified, but there is currently no method to predict how they will impact an individual or implement effective preventative measures. Risk Factors Age is the single most important risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease, accounting for more than 90% of all cases in those aged 65 and over. According to StatPearls, roughly 10% of persons over 65 and about 40% of those over 85 have Alzheimer’s disease. Additional danger causes can be: Having a family history of Alzheimer’s might put you at a higher risk of developing the disease yourself. According to the NIA, the predominant cause of Alzheimer’s disease in younger adults is genetics. NIA classifies hypertension, coronary heart disease, and stroke as vascular (blood vessel) disorders. The March 2021 research states that the brain consumes 20% of the body’s oxygen supply, making a strong heart crucial to the proper functioning of the brain. Regular exercise and a heart-healthy diet are two ways to lower your chance of developing cardiovascular disease. Risk factors, according to the May 2021 research, include metabolic disorders including diabetes, obesity in middle age, and low HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol). In order to convert the nutrients in meals into usable energy, your body uses a process called metabolism. According to a paper published in the journal Lancet Commissions in July 2020, depression can raise the risk of Alzheimer’s. There is some evidence that antidepressant medication lowers risk, although it is inconclusive. Dementia and the first stages of Alzheimer’s disease share several symptoms with depression. The NIA found that illnesses including high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression, as well as social isolation and loneliness, were all associated with an increased chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease. On the other hand, studies suggest that engaging in more group activities might boost brain power. According to research published in the journal Lancet Psychiatry in April 2018, having a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) increases the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s