Causes of Alzheimer's Disease
Though the underlying cause of Alzheimer's disease is not yet known, there are several factors that contribute to the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Researches believe that there is not a single cause of alzheimers's disease, but it is caused by a combination of factors. Cause of Alzheimer's disease may vary from person to person. Given below are some of the causes of Alzheimer's disease:
Age
Age is the greatest known cause of Alzheimer's disease. Most of people with Alzheimer's disease are 65 or older. The risk of developing Alzheimer's doubles about every five years beyond age 65 so by age of 85, nearly one half will have Alzheimer's disease.
Family history
Family history is another cause of Alzheimer's disease. Studies have shown that those who have a parent, sibling, brother or sister with Alzheimer's are more likely to develop Alzheimer's. The risk of developing Alzheimer's disease increases by two to three times if more individuals in a family have Alzheimer's. Familial Alzheimer's disease, a rare form of Alzheimer's disease that usually occurs between the ages of 30 and 60, can be inherited.
Genetics
Another cause of Alzheimer's disease is Genetics or genes. Genetics may play an important role in many Alzheimer's disease cases. It is believed that in most cases genetic factors simply increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. One risk factor for the common form of Alzheimer's disease is a protein called apolipoprotein E (apoE). ApoE, which helps to carry cholesterol in the blood is present in every individual and has 3 forms. One form of apoE protects a person from Alzheimer's disease whereas other form makes a person more likely to develop the disease. Other genes that contribute to Alzheimer's are not yet discovered.
Head injury or Brain damage
It has been found that a person having a serious head injury has a future risk of developing Alzheimer's. This is due to the deposition of amyloid in the brain immediately after a head injury. Since head injury increases the risk of Alzheimer's, try to protect your head by wearing your helmet while riding or participating in sports.
Dietary factors
Dietary factors can also become the cause of Alzheimer's disease. What you eat does matter to your brain. Recent studies have shown that diet and specific nutritional factors increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Being overweight also increases the risk. So a low-fat diet, which is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and E, should be taken.
Educational level and Lifestyle
Research suggests that the higher standard of education one has, the less likely one is to develop Alzheimer's disease. Smaller brains and head size leads to fewer connections within brain, which can also contribute to Alzheimer's. Poor education may be due to poverty may help in development of Alzheimer's.
External Environmental factors
The cause of Alzheimer's disease sometimes may be in our surrounding environment. It may be in the water, soil or air.
Internal environment factors
The cause of Alzheimer's disease may also due to internal environment. For eg: Alzheimer's disease may be caused by something within the body. It could be an imbalance of chemicals, a slow virus or a problem with the immune system.
Metals like aluminum and zinc
Some researches show that aluminum may be a cause of Alzheimer's disease, but others show that exposure to high levels of aluminum does not increase the risk. In case of zinc also same controversy is there. Some researches suggest that too little zinc is a problem; others suggest that too much zinc is a problem. So it is still uncertain whether exposure to aluminum or zinc plays a role in causing Alzheimer's disease.
These were some of the most common causes of Alzheimer's disease. There may be some others factors too that may contribute to Alzheimer's. But studies are still going on to find more about the causes of the disease.

