What Are The Factors That Cause Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating brain disorder that wrecks brain cells, leads to memory loss, and impairs thinking and behavior. It is estimated that as many as 5.3 million people in the United States are afflicted with this disorder. This disease is a progressive and fatal condition, which gets worse over time. It is considered to be the 7th leading cause of death in the US today.
What Are Plaques And Tangles?
According to health experts, Alzheimer’s is characterized mainly by its main hallmarks, plaques and tangles. Plaques are basically deposits of beta-amyloid protein, which builds up on the spaces between the nerve cells. Tangles on the other hand, are deposits of tau protein which build up inside the nerve cells.
While scientists are continuing to study the effect of plaques and tangles, some believe that these proteins block the nerve cell’s ability to effectively communicate with each other, and make it hard for the cells to survive as well.
Plaques and tangles usually develop as people age; however those who have Alzheimer’s are known to develop more plaques and tangles as compared to those who do not. Apart from the development of these protein deposits in the brain, a number of lifestyle factors also lead to the onset of Alzheimer’s.
Lifestyle Factors That Lead To The Onset Of Alzheimer’s
Health experts have identified a number of lifestyle factors that lead to the development of this debilitating brain disorder. People who experience serious head injuries are prone to developing Alzheimer-like symptoms. Tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, also lead to a higher risk of getting Alzheimer’s in the future.
In order to reduce the risks, health experts stress that performing regular exercise and getting a healthy diet helps to reduce the chances of getting one, and practicing safety measures such as wearing protective helmets when driving will aid in reducing the chances of getting a serious head injury. There’s also a strong correlation between heart health and a weak or healthy brain. Those who are free from heart disease and its related conditions stand a better chance of not developing Alzheimer’s and other debilitating brain disorders.
Family History Also Matters
People who have parents, grandparents, siblings or relatives who developed Alzheimer’s are also considered to be 2 to 3 times more likely of developing this brain disorder in the future. If the individual has more than one close relative who has Alzheimer’s, then the chances of getting one increase even further. Scientists have identified two types of genes that are linked to this risk factor.
The first gene is the ApoE4, which is referred to as a "risk gene", and has been identified to increase the chances of developing one. The second gene is called the “deterministic gene”, which is found in a number of extended families around the world. If a person inherits the deterministic gene, then he or she will undoubtedly develop this brain disorder, at a much earlier age than expected.

