Alzheimer Disease
Alzheimer disease: this is a common form of dementia it is believed to be caused by changes in the brain structure, and it leads to the death in brain cells usually beginning in late middle age.
Risk factors
Although it is still unknown what causes the deterioration of brain cells, there are several factors that are known to affect the development of Alzheimer's disease. These are described in more detail below.
Age:
Age is the greatest factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease. The likelihood of developing the condition doubles every five years after you reach 65 years of age. However, it is not just older people who are at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Whiplash and head injuries:
People who have had a severe head injury, or severe whiplash, (a neck injury caused by a sudden movement of the head forwards, backwards or sideways) have been found to be at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Vascular disease:
Research shows that several lifestyle factors and conditions associated with vascular disease can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
These include:
Smoking
Obesity
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
You can help reduce your risk by quitting smoking, eating a healthy balanced diet and having regular health tests as you get older. It is important to keep as active as possible both mentally and physically to help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Read more information about preventing Alzheimer’s disease on the NHS CHOICES YOUR HEALTH YOUR CHOICE WEB SET.
Family history:
Genetic factors contribute to the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Though in most cases, if you have a close family member with the condition, your risk of developing it is only slightly increased.
However, in a few families, Alzheimer’s disease is caused by the inheritance of a single gene, and the risks are much greater. If several of your family members over the generations have developed dementia, it may be appropriate to seek
Risk factors
Although it is still unknown what causes the deterioration of brain cells, there are several factors that are known to affect the development of Alzheimer's disease. These are described in more detail below.
Age:
Age is the greatest factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease. The likelihood of developing the condition doubles every five years after you reach 65 years of age. However, it is not just older people who are at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Whiplash and head injuries:
People who have had a severe head injury, or severe whiplash, (a neck injury caused by a sudden movement of the head forwards, backwards or sideways) have been found to be at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Vascular disease:
Research shows that several lifestyle factors and conditions associated with vascular disease can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
These include:
Smoking
Obesity
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
You can help reduce your risk by quitting smoking, eating a healthy balanced diet and having regular health tests as you get older. It is important to keep as active as possible both mentally and physically to help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Read more information about preventing Alzheimer’s disease on the NHS CHOICES YOUR HEALTH YOUR CHOICE WEB SET.
Family history:
Genetic factors contribute to the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Though in most cases, if you have a close family member with the condition, your risk of developing it is only slightly increased.
However, in a few families, Alzheimer’s disease is caused by the inheritance of a single gene, and the risks are much greater. If several of your family members over the generations have developed dementia, it may be appropriate to seek