What causes Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's disease is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that affect the brain over time. The main feature of Alzheimer's is the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, disrupting cellular function.

While most cases of Alzheimer's are not directly inherited, genetics can play a role. People with a family history of the disease are at a higher risk, particularly if they have close relatives, like parents or siblings, with the condition.

Age is the most significant known risk factor. The likelihood of developing Alzheimer's doubles about every five years after the age of 65, and most people with Alzheimer's are 65 or older.

Yes, factors such as poor cardiovascular health, lack of physical activity, an unhealthy diet, and tobacco use can increase the risk. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help lower the risk.

Amyloid plaques form when protein fragments called beta-amyloids accumulate and clump together outside neurons, disrupting cell-to-cell communication and potentially triggering inflammatory responses.

Tau tangles are twisted threads of a protein called tau found inside brain cells. In Alzheimer's, tau tangles disrupt the transport system in neurons, which is crucial for their function and health.

Certain environmental factors such as exposure to pollution, toxins, and lifestyle stressors may influence the risk by affecting brain health. However, the exact impact varies among individuals.

Yes, traumatic brain injuries, particularly repeated incidents, can increase the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's, later in life.

People with Down syndrome have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's because they have an extra chromosome 21, which carries the gene that produces amyloid precursor protein linked to Alzheimer's.

Chronic inflammation in the brain can contribute to the progression of Alzheimer's by damaging neurons and supporting tissues. Inflammatory responses may be triggered by amyloid plaques and other disease mechanisms.

Yes, having diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's due to associated cardiovascular issues and insulin resistance, which can affect brain health.

A healthy heart and blood vessels are crucial for brain health. Conditions that affect cardiovascular health, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, can increase the risk of Alzheimer's by impacting blood flow in the brain.

While there's no certain way to prevent Alzheimer's, adopting a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, cognitive stimulation, and social engagement may help reduce the risk.

Women are more likely to develop Alzheimer's than men, partly due to longer life expectancy. Hormonal differences may also play a role, but more research is needed to understand why the risk is higher in women.

Currently, no medications are known to cause Alzheimer's. However, some drugs may affect cognitive function, which could be mistaken for early dementia symptoms. It's important to review medications with healthcare providers.