Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease

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Are you at risk for Alzheimer’s disease?

Dear Friend,

Scientists know Alzheimer’s disease involves the progressive failure of brain cells, but they don’t know why this happens. However, they have identified certain risk factors that increase the chances of developing Alzheimer’s, including age, a family history of the disease and genetics.
Read about genetic testing for Alzheimer’s.

These are risk factors we can’t change. Now, research is beginning to reveal clues about other Alzheimer’s risk factors we may be able to influence:

Risk factors

Head trauma:
There may be a strong link between serious head injury and the future risk of Alzheimer’s, especially when trauma occurs repeatedly or involves loss of consciousness or both.

Heart-head connection:
The risk of developing Alzheimer’s appears to be increased by many conditions that damage the heart or blood vessels, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high cholesterol.

Lifestyle choices:
Strategies for overall healthy aging may help keep your brain as well as your body fit.

What you can do

Head trauma:
Buckle your seat belt; wear your helmet when participating in sports and "fall-proof" your home.

Heart-head connection:
Work with your doctor to monitor your heart health and treat any problems that arise. Learn more about how to be heart smart.

Lifestyle choices:
Keep your weight within recommended guidelines, avoid tobacco and excess alcohol, stay socially connected, and exercise your body and mind. See our tips on eating a brain-healthy diet.

Dr. Cotman has advanced the understanding of how lifestyle modications may combat Alzheimer’s disease.

Learn about Alzheimer’s Trial Match™

Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch™ is a free service that makes it easy for people with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, families and physicians to locate clinical trials based on personal criteria (diagnosis, stage of disease) and location.

Take a few moments to visit our website, where you’ll find a wealth of information to help you learn more about Alzheimer’s risk factors as well as the latest on prevention research. Research into the causes of Alzheimer’s, like the program funded by our Spring Matching Gift Challenge. Donors are vital to the fight against this devastating disease.

Thank you,

Angela Geiger
Chief Strategy Officer

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s disease.

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