Causes of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease has affected more than 4.5 million people in the United States. It is a brain disorder that is progressive in nature. It gradually affects all cognitive functions, including memory, learning, reason, and communication. The ability to make judgments and carry out daily activities is severely hampered.

As the disorder progresses, the personality and behavior of the individual alter. It results in paranoia, anxiety, agitation, delusions, and hallucinations. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, which affects brain cells and causes a decline in the mental function. When dealing with causes of Alzheimer’s disease, research does not point to one single cause. There are many risk factors to be considered, while tackling the causes of Alzheimer’s disease.

Effect of Age

Age is the primary risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. As the body and brain age, internal attacks increase in number. This increases the chances of suffering from Alzheimer’s. Cognitive function decreases as the nerve cells die. Most individuals who suffer from Alzheimer’s are over the age of 65. The likelihood for contracting this disorder doubles every five years after 65. By age 85, the risk is almost 50%.

Effect of Family History

Genetics plays a dominant role in the development of the disease. Environment, too, plays a role. Individuals who have a grandparent, parent, or sibling suffering from the disease are at increased risk. The risks are greater if more than one family member contracts the disease.

Alzheimer genes have been found in both genetic categories. The first category comprises of risk genes. They do not make the disease a certainty. Another Alzheimer risk gene has been identified, known as apoliprotein E-e4 or APOE-e4. This gene provides a blue print for a protein that takes part in cholesterol transportation in the bloodstream. All humans inherit one form of APOE gene from both parents. Those that inherit the APOE-e4 gene are at a greater risk for Alzheimer’s. It might occur at a much younger age.

The second category of genes is known as ‘deterministic genes’. Research has pointed to an extremely rare deterministic gene that can cause Alzheimer’s. This gene is known as ‘familial Alzheimer’s disease’. Of all the Alzheimer cases, it accounts for 5%.

Other risk factors

Besides age and family history, there are other factors that can cause Alzheimer’s disease. Head injury can play a part in the development of Alzheimer’s. The heart, too, plays an active role. The heart sends nearly 20 to 25 percent of the blood to the brain. The brain derives 20 percent of its nutrients from this blood. The vulnerability of the heart increases that of the brain.

These causes of Alzheimer’s disease should aid in preventive measures.

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