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Home > Alzheimer's Disease > Risk Factors

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Risk Factors
http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_causes_risk_factors.asp

Scientists have identified factors that increase the risk of Alzheimers. The most important risk factorsage, family history and hereditycan't be changed, but emerging evidence suggests there may be other factors we can influence. Age Family history
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Age
The greatest known risk factor for Alzheimers is advancing age . Most individuals with the disease are age 65 or older. The likelihood of developing Alzheimers doubles about every five years after age 65. After age 85, the risk reaches nearly 50 percent. One of the greatest mysteries of Alzheimer's disease is why risk rises so dramatically as we grow older. Learn more: 10 Signs of Alzheimer's, Steps to Diagnosis and Visiting Your Doctor.

Family history
Another strong risk factor is family history. Those who have a parent, brother, sister or child with Alzheimers are more likely to develop the disease. The risk increases if more than one family member has the illness. When diseases tend to run in families, either heredity (genetics) or environmental factors, or both, may play a role.

Aluminum not a cause During the 1960s and 1970s, aluminum emerged as a possible suspect in causing Alzheimers disease. This suspicion led to concerns about everyday exposure to aluminum through sources such as cooking pots, foil, beverage cans, antacids and antiperspirants. Since then, studies have failed to confirm any role for aluminum in causing Alzheimers. Almost all scientists today focus on other areas of research, and few experts believe that everyday sources of aluminum pose any threat. Learn more: Myths About Alzheimers
Genetics (heredity)
Scientists know genes are involved in Alzheimers. There are two types of genes that can play a role in affecting whether a person develops a diseaserisk genes and deterministic genes. Alzheimer's genes have been found in both categories.

Genetic testing Genetic tests are available for both APOEe4 and the rare genes that directly cause Alzheimers. However, health professionals do not currently recommend routine genetic testing for Alzheimers disease.

Testing for APOE-e4 is sometimes included as a part of research studies. Learn more: Genetic Testing Topic Sheet
1. Risk genes increase the likelihood of developing a disease, but do not guarantee it will happen. Scientists have so far identified several risk genes implicated in Alzheimer's disease. The risk gene with the strongest influence is called apolipoprotein E-e4 (APOE-e4). Scientists estimate that APOE-e4 may be a factor in 20 to 25 percent of Alzheimer's cases. APOE-e4 is one of three common forms of the APOE gene; the others are APOE-e2 and APOE-e3. Everyone inherits a copy of some form of APOE from each parent. Those who inherit APOE-e4 from one parent have an increased risk of Alzheimers. Those who inherit APOE-e4 from both parents have an even higher risk, but not a certainty. Scientists are not yet certain how APOE-e4 increases risk. In addition to raising risk, APOE-e4 may tend to make Alzheimer's symptoms appear at a younger age than usual. 2. Deterministic genes directly cause a disease, guaranteeing that anyone who inherits them will develop the disorder. Scientists have discovered variations that directly cause Alzheimers disease in the genes coding three proteins: amyloid precursor protein (APP), presenilin-1 (PS-1) and presenilin-2 (PS2). When Alzheimers disease is caused by these deterministic variations, it is called autosomal dominant Alzheimers disease (ADAD) or familial Alzheimers disease, and many family members in multiple generations are affected. Symptoms nearly always develop before age 60, and may appear as early as a person's 30s or 40s. Deterministic Alzheimer's variations have been found in only a few hundred extended families worldwide. True familial Alzheimers accounts for less than 5 percent of cases. Back to top
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A closer look: Genes linked to Alzheimer's

The 23 human chromosome pairs contain all of the 30,000 genes that code the biological blueprint for a human being. This interactive illustration highlights the chromosomes containing each of the three genes that cause familial Alzheimer's and the gene with the greatest impact on Alzheimer's risk.

RELATED INFORMATION

Genetics in Alzheimers (14 min.) Early-Onset Alzheimers and Genetics (26 min.) Late-Onset Alzheimers and Genetics (22 min.) Genetic Testing Topic Sheet (2 pages)

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What you can do now: Factors you may be able to influence

Most experts believe that the majority of Alzheimer's disease occurs as a result of complex interactions among genes and other risk factors. Age, family history and heredity are all risk factors we cant change. Now, research is beginning to reveal clues about other risk factors we may be able to influence through general lifestyle and wellness choices and effective management of other health conditions. Head trauma: There may be a strong link between serious head injury and future risk of Alzheimers, especially when trauma occurs repeatedly or involves loss of consciousness. Protect your brain by buckling your seat belt, wearing your helmet when participating in sports, and fall -proofing your home. Learn more about traumatic brain injury. Heart-head connection: Growing evidence links brain health to heart health. Your brain is nourished by one of your bodys richest networks of blood vessels. Every heartbeat pumps about 20 to 25 percent of your blood to your head, where brain cells use at least 20 percent of the food and oxygen your blood carries. The risk of developing Alzheimers or vascular dementia appears to be increased by many conditions that damage the heart or blood vessels. These include high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high cholesterol. Work with your doctor to monitor your heart health and treat any problems that arise. Studies of donated brain tissue provide additional evidence for the heart-head connection. These studies suggest that plaques and tangles are more likely to cause Alzheimer's symptoms if strokes or damage to the brains blood vessels are also present.

Latinos and African-Americans at risk Because Latinos and African-Americans in the United States have higher rates of vascular disease, they also may be at greater risk for developing Alzheimers. According to a growing body of evidence, risk factors for vascular disease including diabetes, high blood pressureand high cholesterol may also be risk factors for Alzheimers and stroke-related dementia. Learn more: Be Heart Smart and Adopt a Brain Healthy Diet.
General healthy aging: Other lines of evidence suggest that strategies for overall healthy aging may help keep your brain as well as your body fit. These strategies may even offer some protection against developing Alzheimers or related disorders. Try to keep your weight within recommended guidelines, avoid tobacco and excess alcohol, stay socially connected, and exercise both your body and mind. Sign up for Alzheimers enews and stay informed on research investigating lifestyle factors and the risk of cognitive impairment.

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National Headquarters Alzheimer's Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 Alzheimer's Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Copyright 2013 Alzheimer's Association. All rights reserved.

Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's Formed in 1980, the Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research.

Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.

The basics Symptoms Changes in the brain

Plaques & tangles Research

Alzheimer's and dementia basics

Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 50 to 80 percent of dementia cases. Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging, although the greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and the majority of people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older. But Alzheimer's is not just a disease of old age. Up to 5 percent of people with the disease have early onset Alzheimer's (also known as younger-onset), which often appears when someone is in their 40s or 50s. Learn more: Early Onset Alzheimer's and Risk Factors Alzheimer's worsens over time. Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer's, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment. Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Those with Alzheimer's live an average of eight years after their symptoms become noticeable to others, but survival can range from four to 20 years, depending on age and other health conditions. Learn more: 10 Warning Signs and Stages of Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's has no current cure, but treatments for symptoms are available and research continues. Although current Alzheimer's treatments cannot stop Alzheimer's from progressing, they can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Today, there is a worldwide effort under way to find better ways to treat the disease, delay its onset, and prevent it from developing. Learn more: Standard Treatments, Treatment Horizon, Prevention andClinical Trials.

Symptoms of Alzheimer's The most common early symptom of Alzheimer's is difficulty remembering newly learned information.
Just like the rest of our bodies, our brains change as we age . Most of us eventually notice some slowed thinking and occasional problems with remembering certain things. However, serious memory loss, confusion and other major changes in the way our minds work may be a sign that brain cells are failing. The most common early symptom of Alzheimer's is difficulty remembering newly learned information because Alzheimer's changes typically begin in the part of the brain that affects learning. As Alzheimer's advances through the brain it leads to increasingly severe symptoms, including disorientation, mood and behavior changes; deepening confusion about events, time and place; unfounded suspicions about family, friends and professional caregivers; more serious memory loss and behavior changes; and difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking. People with memory loss or other possible signs of Alzheimers may find it hard to recognize they have a problem. Signs of dementia may be more obvious to family members or friends. Anyone experiencing dementia-like symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible. If you need assistance finding a doctor with experience evaluating memory problems, your local Alzheimer's Association chapter can help. Early diagnosis and intervention methods are improving dramatically, and treatment options and sources of support can improve quality of life. Two helpful support resources you can tap into are ALZConnected, our messages boards and online social networking community, andAlzheimer's Navigator, a web tool that creates customized action plans, based on answers you provide through short, online surveys.
Headquarters Alzheimer's Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 Alzheimer's Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Copyright 2013 Alzheimer's Association. All rights reserved

Alzheimer's and the brain Microscopic changes in the brain begin long before the first signs of memory loss.
The brain has 100 billion nerve cells (neurons). Each nerve cell connects with many others to form communication networks. Groups of nerve cells have special jobs. Some are involved in thinking, learning and remembering. Others help us see, hear and smell.

Alzheimer's is not the only cause of memory loss.

Many people have trouble with memory this does NOT mean they have Alzheimer's. There are many different causes of memory loss. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of dementia, it is best to visit a doctor so the cause can be determined.

To do their work, brain cells operate like tiny factories. They receive supplies, generate energy, construct equipment and Learn more: Visiting Your get rid of waste. Cells also process and Doctor store information and communicate with other cells. Keeping everything running requires coordination as well as large amounts of fuel and oxygen.

Scientists believe Alzheimer's disease prevents parts of a cell's factory from running well. They are not sure where the trouble starts. But just like a real factory, backups and breakdowns in one system cause problems in other areas. As damage spreads, cells lose their ability to do their jobs and, eventually die, causing irreversible changes in the brain. Learn more: Brain Tour Back to top

The role of plaques and tangles

Plaques and tangles tend to spread through the cortex as Alzheimer's progresses. Take the Brain Tour

Two abnormal structures called plaques and tangles are prime suspects in damaging and killing nerve cells. Plaques are deposits of a protein fragment called beta-amyloid (BAY-tuh AM-uhloyd) that build up in the spaces between nerve cells.

Tangles are twisted fibers of another protein called tau (rhymes with wow) that build up inside cells. Though most people develop some plaques and tangles as they age, those with Alzheimer's tend to develop far more. They also tend to develop them in a predictable pattern, beginning in areas important for memory before spreading to other regions. Scientists do not know exactly what role plaques and tangles play in Alzheimer's disease. Most experts believe they somehow play a critical role in blocking communication among nerve cells and disrupting processes that cells need to survive. It's the destruction and death of nerve cells that causes memory failure, personality changes, problems carrying out daily activities and other symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

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Research and progress

Today, Alzheimer's is at the forefront of biomedical research. Researchers are working to uncover as many aspects of Alzheimer's disease andrelated dementias as possible. Ninety percent of what we know about Alzheimer's has been discovered in the last 15 years. Some of the most remarkable progress has shed light on how Alzheimer's affects the brain. The hope is this better understanding will lead to new treatments. Many potential approaches are currently under investigation worldwide. Sign up for our enews to receive updates about Alzheimers and dementia care and research. Learn more: Alz.org Research Center

Alzheimer bukan penyakit menular, melainkan merupakan sejenis sindrom dengan apoptosis sel-sel otak pada saat yang hampir bersamaan, sehingga otak tampak mengerut dan mengecil. Alzheimer juga dikatakan sebagai penyakit yang sinonim dengan orang tua.

Risiko untuk mengidap Alzheimer, meningkat seiring dengan pertambahan usia. Bermula pada usia 65 tahun, seseorang mempunyai risiko lima persen mengidap penyakit ini dan akan meningkat dua kali lipat setiap lima tahun, kata seorang dokter. Menurutnya, sekalipun penyakit ini dikaitkan dengan orang tua,

namun sejarah membuktikan bahawa pesakit pertama yang dikenal pasti menghidap penyakit ini ialah wanita dalam usia awal 50-an.

Penyakit Alzheimer paling sering ditemukan pada orang tua berusia sekitar 65 tahun ke atas. Di negara maju seperti Amerika Serikat saat ini ditemukan lebih dari 4 juta orang usia lanjut penderita penyakit Alzheimer. Angka ini diperkirakan akan meningkat sampai hampir 4 kali pada tahun 2050. Hal tersebut berkaitan dengan lebih tingginya harapan hidup pada masyarakat di negara maju, sehingga populasi penduduk lanjut usia juga bertambah.

Pada tahap awal perkembangan Alzheimer, penurunan faktor-faktor risiko vaskular dapat menyulitkan diagnosis sindrom ini, namun mengurangi kecepatan perkembangan demensia.

Penyebab Penyakit Alzheimer Para ilmuwan belum sepenuhnya memahami apa yang menyebabkan penyakit Alzheimer. Usia adalah paling penting faktor risiko untuk penyakit Alzheimer. Para ilmuwan percaya bahwa genetika dapat berperan dalam penyebab penyakit Alzheimer. Sebagai contoh, awal-awal keluarga penyakit Alzheimer, sebuah bentuk langka penyakit Alzheimer yang terjadi antara usia 30 dan 60, mewarisi.

Satu faktor risiko untuk penyakit Alzheimer jenis ini adalah gen yang membuat salah satu bentuk protein yang disebut apolipoprotein E, atau apoE.

Hanya sekitar 15 persen dari orang-orang memiliki bentuk yang meningkatkan risiko Alzheimer. Para ilmuwan menemukan lebih banyak petunjuk bahwa beberapa faktor-faktor risiko untuk penyakit jantung dan strokeseperti tekanan darah tinggi, kolesterol tinggi dan rendah tingkat vitamin folatjuga dapat meningkatkan risiko Alzheimer. Setelah mengikuti para peserta selama empat tahun, para peneliti menemukan bahwa risiko mengembangkan Alzheimer 47 persen lebih rendah rata-rata untuk orangorang yang melakukan ini secara mental merangsang kegiatan paling sering daripada bagi mereka yang tidak mereka paling sering.

Tidak ada perawatan, obat-obatan, atau pil yang dapat mencegah Alzheimer, tetapi orang-orang dapat mengambil beberapa langkah-langkah yang dapat mengurangi risiko. Ini termasuk: menurunkan kolesterol dan homocysteine tingkat menurunkan tekanan darah tinggi tingkat

mengendalikan diabetes berolahraga secara teratur terlibat dalam kegiatan yang merangsang pikiran Diet sehat sangat penting. Meskipun tidak ada diet khusus atau suplemen gizi telah ditemukan untuk mencegah atau membalikkan penyakit Alzheimer, diet seimbang membantu mempertahankan secara keseluruhan baikkesehatan. Penelitian tidak menunjukkan bahwa langkah-langkah ini akan menurunkan resiko untuk Alzheimer, dan studi yang dirancang untuk langsung menguji kemampuan mereka untuk melakukan hal yang sedang berlangsung. Namun, semua hal baik untuk melakukan pula karena mereka menurunkan risiko untuk penyakit lain dan membantu menjaga dan meningkatkan kesehatan dan kesejahteraan Anda secara keseluruhan.

Gejala Penyakit Azheimer Gejala-gejala Demensia Alzheimer sendiri meliputi gejala yang ringan sampai berat. Sepuluh tanda-tanda adanya Demensia Alzheimer adalah : Gangguan memori yang memengaruhi keterampilan pekerjaan, seperti; lupa meletakkan kunci mobil, mengambil baki uang, lupa nomor telepon atau kardus obat yang biasa dimakan, lupa mencampurkan gula dalam minuman, garam dalam masakan atau cara-cara mengaduk air, Kesulitan melakukan tugas yang biasa dilakukan, seperti; tidak mampu melakukan perkara asas seperti menguruskan diri sendiri. Kesulitan bicara dan berbahasa Disorientasi waktu, tempat dan orang, seperti; keliru dengan keadaan sekitar rumah, tidak tahu membeli barang ke kedai, tidak mengenali rekan-rekan atau anggota keluarga terdekat.

Kesulitan mengambil keputusan yang tepat Kesulitan berpikir abstrak, seperti; orang yang sakit juga mendengar suara atau bisikan halus dan melihat bayangan menakutkan.

Salah meletakkan barang Perubahan mood dan perilaku, seperti; menjadi agresif, cepat marah dan kehilangan minat untuk berinteraksi atau hobi yang pernah diminatinya.

Perubahan kepribadian, seperti; seperti menjerit, terpekik dan mengikut perawat ke mana saja walaupun ke WC.

Hilangnya minat dan inisiatif Orang yang sakit juga kadangkala akan berjalan ke sana sini tanpa sebab dan pola tidur mereka juga berubah. Orang yang sakit akan lebih banyak tidur pada waktu siang dan terbangun pada waktu malam. Secara umum, orang sakit yang didiagnosis mengidap penyakit ini meninggal dunia akibat radang paruparu atau pneumonia. Ini disebabkan, pada waktu itu orang yang sakit tidak dapat melakukan sembarang aktivitas lain.