Causes & Risk Factors
Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t have a single cause. It develops from a combination of age, genetics, lifestyle, and health factors. While some risks cannot be changed, research shows that healthy habits may help reduce your chances of developing the disease.
AGE: THE GREATEST RISK FACTOR
Age is the strongest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s.
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1 in 8 people over age 65 has Alzheimer’s.
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Nearly half of people over age 85 live with the disease.
FAMILY HISTORY & GENETICS
Having a parent, sibling, or multiple family members with Alzheimer’s raises your risk 2–3 times.
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Scientists have identified one common gene that increases risk but does not guarantee the disease.
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Rare genes that virtually guarantee Alzheimer’s account for fewer than 1% of cases worldwide.
OTHER RISK FACTORS YOU CAN INFLUENCE
While we can’t change our age or family history, other risk factors may be preventable or manageable:
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Head Injury: Wear seatbelts, helmets, and make your home “fall-proof.”
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Healthy Aging: Control blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol; exercise both body and mind; eat a balanced diet; and stay socially engaged.
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Type 2 Diabetes: More common in Latinos and African Americans, diabetes may be linked to Alzheimer’s.
DIABETES & ALZHEIMER'S: WHAT WE KNOW
Scientists are still studying the connection, but high blood sugar and insulin may harm the brain by:
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Damaging blood vessels that supply the brain.
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Disrupting essential brain chemicals.
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Causing inflammation that damages brain cells.
Tip: Work with your doctor to detect and manage diabetes or other health concerns early. Even with diabetes, proper treatment may help reduce Alzheimer’s-related complications.