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Contributing Factors To Alzheimer’s

Health Conditions And Diseases

Health care disparities cited as major contributing factor in likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s

There are a number of health conditions and diseases that can increase a person’s risk of dementia.

  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • kidney disease.

Downs syndrome and other learning disabilities greatly increase a persons risk of developing young-onset dementia, usually caused by Alzheimers disease.

Effects of air pollution Effects of air pollution.

Certain forms of air pollution increase a persons risk of dementia. These include very small particles from traffic fumes and from burning wood in the house, for example in a fireplace. If a person breathes in these particles, the particles may cause damage to blood vessels in the persons brain, as well as a build-up of substances that can cause Alzheimers disease.

Unfortunately it is difficult for a person to reduce their exposure to polluted air. Governments need to develop better environmental policies to reduce air pollution, such as banning heating fuels that produce lots of smoke particles.

Modifiable Risk Factors For Alzheimers Disease

  • 1The Mitchell Center for Alzheimers Disease and Related Brain Disorders, Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Houston Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
  • 2Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases , Department of Cell Biology, Facultad Ciencias, Universidad de Malaga, Malaga, Spain

Since first described in the early 1900s, Alzheimers disease has risen exponentially in prevalence and concern. Research still drives to understand the etiology and pathogenesis of this disease and what risk factors can attribute to AD. With a majority of AD cases being of sporadic origin, the increasing exponential growth of an aged population and a lack of treatment, it is imperative to discover an easy accessible preventative method for AD. Some risk factors can increase the propensity of AD such as aging, sex, and genetics. Moreover, there are also modifiable risk factorsin terms of treatable medical conditions and lifestyle choicesthat play a role in developing AD. These risk factors have their own biological mechanisms that may contribute to AD etiology and pathological consequences. In this review article, we will discuss modifiable risk factors and discuss the current literature of how each of these factors interplay into AD development and progression and if strategically analyzed and treated, could aid in protection against this neurodegenerative disease.

Pathophysiology Of Alzheimers Disease

The presence of extracellular plaques of insoluble -amyloid peptide and neurofibrillary tangles of P-tau in neuronal cytoplasm is the hallmark of AD . Although the mechanisms by which these changes lead to cognitive decline are still debated, these deposits are believed to lead to atrophy and death of neurons resulting from excitotoxicity processes , collapse in calcium homeostasis, inflammation and depletion of energy and neuronal factors. As a result of this process, damage to neurons and synapses involved in memory processes, learning and other cognitive functions lead to the aforementioned cognitive decline .

According to amyloid cascade theory , the cerebral accumulation of A peptide, resulting from the imbalance between production and clearance of this protein, is the main event causing the disease, being other events observed resulting from this process .

The A peptide, which has 36 to 43 aminoacids, is derived from amyloid precursor protein enzymatic proteolysis, a physiologically produced protein that plays important roles in brain homeostasis . The APP gene is located on chromosome 21, which explains the higher incidence of early-onset AD in individuals with 21 trisomy and in individuals with APP gene locus duplication . It is believed that overexpression of APP results in an increase of cerebral A peptide, and consequently, in its deposition .

  • c.

    Reduced capacity of degradation of tau protein by the proteasome, in a process induced by A peptide

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    Reducing Your Risk Factors

    It is possible to evaluate your predisposition to develop Alzheimers disease and make lifestyle choices that reduce your risk factors. More and more evidence is emerging that proves environmental factors play a significant role in determining if the disease will develop and progress.

    • Use the Internet to do research on genetic conditions. Some useful sites are:
  • Learn as much as you can about your family health history, especially about your siblings, parents, and grandparents.
  • Consult a genetic counselor. Genetic counselors provide information and support to families who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. They identify families at risk, analyze inheritance patterns and risks of recurrence and discuss options with the family. Locate a counselor at the National Society of Genetic Counselors.
  • Have a memory screening done on a regular basis, as part of your annual physical. Many memory difficulties are due to correctable conditions, such as vitamin deficiencies or stress.
  • Consult a doctor if you are concerned about a head injury and Alzheimers.
  • Make healthy lifestyle choices. By using programs like the ARPFs 4 Pillars of Alzheimers Prevention it is possible to minimize the risk factors and prevent memory loss.
  • What Can You Do

    INFOGRAPHIC: Alzheimer

    Although there is no effective treatment or proven prevention for Alzheimers and related dementias, in general, leading a healthy lifestyle may help address risk factors that have been associated with these diseases.

    Researchers cannot say for certain whether making the above lifestyle changes will protect against dementia, but these changes are good for your health and are all part of making healthy choices as you age.

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    Family History & Genetics

    The role of genes in Alzheimers disease is complex and still being investigated.

    The risk of developing Alzheimers disease is higher if your parents or siblings have had it however, having a family history of the condition doesnt guarantee that youll have it too. If several people in your family have had Alzheimers, particularly at a younger age, you should consider genetic counseling to evaluate your chances of developing it.

    There are two types of Alzheimers disease both types have genetic risk factors associated with them:

    • Early-onset Alzheimers disease: This is a rare form of the condition, where symptoms can appear at any time after the age of 30. Inheriting a genetic mutation in one of three genes can lead to early-onset Alzheimers disease.
    • Late-onset Alzheimers disease: This is the more common form of the condition, where symptoms first appear in the mid-60s. People with a gene variant known as APOE 4 on chromosome 19 may be more likely to develop late-onset Alzheimers disease. However, having the variation doesnt mean youll definitely develop Alzheimer’s, and some people with Alzheimers dont have APOE 4.

    Having Down syndrome, a genetic chromosome disorder, can also raise your risk of developing Alzheimers disease. This is because people with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21, so they have an additional gene producing the protein that leads to the production of beta-amyloid.

    What Can Lead To Alzheimer’s Disease

    There are a few things that may make people more likely to get Alzheimerâs. So far, research has linked the disease with:

    • Age. Your risk for Alzheimer’s goes up as you get older. For most people, it starts going up after age 65.
    • Gender. Women get the disease more often than men.
    • Family history. People who have a parent or sibling with Alzheimerâs are more likely to get it themselves.
    • Down syndrome. Itâs not clear why, but people with this disorder often get Alzheimer’s disease in their 30s and 40s.
    • Head injury. Some studies have shown a link between Alzheimer’s disease and a major head injury.
    • Other factors. High cholesterol levels and high blood pressure may also raise your risk.

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    Alzheimers Disease Risk Factors

    Alzheimers disease is a condition that affects the way your brain functions. In the early stages, people with Alzheimers often experience memory loss, such as:

    • forgetting conversations
    • repeating conversations
    • forgetting the names of familiar people and places

    Alzheimers disease is a progressive disease, which means it gets worse over time. People with late-stage Alzheimers often need help with most of their everyday activities, such as eating, dressing, and bathing.

    Researchers still arent sure what causes Alzheimers disease. But certain factors increase your likelihood of developing this incurable disease. You can control some factors by making different lifestyle choices. You should also talk to your doctor about what else you can do to lower your risk.

    More Useful Links And Resources

    Factors that contribute to quality of life in dementia

    Risk factors.Alzheimer Society of Canada, 2021. Read about risk factors for dementia in our downloadable, print-friendly infosheet. This sheet also contains strategies and lifestyle changes that can help you reduce your risk of developing dementia.

    Understanding genetics and Alzheimer’s disease.Alzheimer Society of Canada, 2018.In our downloadable, print-friendly infosheet, learn more about the role that genetics plays as a risk factor for dementia, and find out whether you should pursue genetic testing.

    Risk factors and prevention. Alzheimer’s Society UK. This comprehensive webpage from the Alzheimer’s Society UK has some helpful nuggets of research and advice related to reducing your risk of dementia.

    Tobacco use and dementia. World Health Organization , 2014. This report from the WHO details the evidence behind smoking tobacco as a risk factor for dementia.

    Women and Dementia: Understanding sex/gender differences in the brain. brainXchange, 2018. This webinar discusses understandings of sex and gender, sex differences in Alzheimerâs disease, how the higher number of women with Alzheimer’s may be due to both, and a discussion of the role of estrogen in the health of brain regions associated with Alzheimerâs disease. In partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Canada and the Canadian Consortium of Neurodegeneration in Aging .

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    Study Identifies 10 Risk Factors For Alzheimers Disease

    21 July 2020

    Scientists led by a team in China have identified 10 risk factors for Alzheimers disease. The 10 factors are diabetes, poor BMI, reduced education, high blood pressure in midlife, low blood pressure, head trauma, high levels of homocysteine, less cognitive activity, stress, and depression. Researchers published the findings today in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.

    Dementia is caused by a number of physical brain diseases, the most common being Alzheimers disease. You can find out more reducing your of Alzheimers disease by visiting alzres.uk/risk-reduction

    What our expert said:

    One Thing Stands Out That We Can Easily Fix

    Ive been away for the last few days taking a short break from my regular visits to the Alzheimers world. I normally visit my wife daily and watch the decline of the other rest home residents with sorrow and regret.

    Sorrow and regret? Its heartbreaking, I know most of those with Alzheimers would be experiencing a different journey had they been attended by competent practitioners. Dr Bredesens teams are arresting and reversing Alzheimers symptoms in nearly all of their early-stage Alzheimers patients.

    It doesnt necessarily stop at early-stage, Ann was moderate and quickly advancing to late-stage Alzheimers when we had the causes of her condition analysed. It seemed hopeless when we started treating her for a chronic mould-triggered brain-damaging inflammatory response. Ann was given six months to live in September 2017, a prognosis given by a neurologist for a life insurance payout. We started treatment within days of this prognosis and four weeks later Ann was communicating and seemingly on the road to a miraculous recovery. Whats happened since is a story of triumph and tragedy covered in my latest book . Anns demonstrated that proper intervention may also work for later stage Alzheimers although shes an outlier at present.

    Im going to drop one idea in front of you which makes sense for all of us to follow regardless of where we are on the Alzheimers journey, be it prevention or treatment.

    Kia Kaha! Stay Strong

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    Other Relevant Factors And Conclusion

    The main pathophysiological mechanisms of AD are amyloidosis and tau-related neurodegeneration, and have specific topographical and chronological pathways. For instance, brain amyloidosis starts in neocortical regions and then affects subcortical structures . On the other hand, neurodegeneration first appear on locus coeruleus and then spreads through transentorrinal area and neocortical regions . Cognitive and behavioral features of AD are significantly correlated to the topographical distribution of neurofibrillary tangles.

    There is great variability in topographical patterns of pathological findings in AD, causing great phenotypical variability , with atypical presentations of the disease . It is not clear how risk and beneficial factors may modulate the topographical progression of amyloidosis and neurodegeneration.

    Risk Factors & Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention

    How early can we diagnose Alzheimer disease (and is it sufficient ...

    Ongoing research is helping us learn more about ways to maintain a healthy brain and about the risk factors for Alzheimers disease and other kinds of dementia. AD develops over many years and appears to be affected by a number of factors that may increase or decrease a persons chances of developing the disease. While age and family history are risk factors, other things such as diet, exercise, and lifestyle are believed to have an influence as well. We cant control some of these risk factors, but we can control others.

    Ways to maintain brain health

    • Manage health risks

    Find more info about these methods of prevention below.

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    Measurement Of The Index Of Occlusion

    Representative cross-sections of the circle of Willis arteries. The top panel illustrates a series of arterial sections in which the lumenal area is minimally reduced. The inset indicates the external area and luminal area that were manually encircled. The area was calculated automatically with ImagePro Express, v 4.0 software and an index of occlusion is derived from these numbers. The bottom panel shows arteries with severe atherosclerosis. In some cases the arteries are almost occluded by the atheroma plaque.

    Are There Risk Factors For Mci And How Is Alzheimers Diagnosed

    There are a number of risk factors that lead to cognitive decline. The main factors are:

    • Age With increasing age, there is a greater incidence of cognitive decline.
    • Family history If someones first-degree relative has Alzheimers, the chances are up to seven times greater that they may develop the disease.
    • Genetic Predisposition A person with two APOe-4 genes is at a higher risk of developing Alzheimers disease in later life.
    • Cardiovascular disease

    The good news is that many risk factors can be controlled effectively by adopting correct lifestyle choices to prevent Alzheimers. The three most important ways in which lifestyle modifications can impact our brain health are:

  • Optimize cardiovascular function
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    Physical Activity & Exercise

    Accumulating evidence suggests that physical activity may be good for our brains as well as our hearts, waistlines, and ability to carry out activities of daily living. Studies have found associations between physical activity and improved cognitive skills or reduced AD risk. For example, investigators looked at the relationship of physical activity and AD risk in about 1,700 adults aged 65 years and older over a 6-year period. They found that the risk of AD was 35 to 40 percent lower in those who exercised for at least 15 minutes 3 or more times a week than in those who exercised fewer than 3 times a week.

    Staying physically active is healthy for your heart and your brain. The brain needs oxygen and a healthy blood supply to work at its best. Thirty minutes of exercise five or more times a week is recommended. The exercise does not need to strenuous. Find something that you enjoy and can fit into your own lifestyle. Some ideas:

    • Walk or bike instead of drive
    • Take the stairs rather than the elevator
    • Exercise with friends walk and chat
    • Play tennis or participate in a team sport
    • Dancing can be healthy and fun
    • Swimming is a great low-impact exercise
    • Tai Chi or yoga can help improve balance and flexibility

    Whats Next With Dementia Prevention Research

    Study: Holistic Approach to Alzheimers Treatment May Reverse Memory Loss

    More research is needed to find ways to help prevent Alzheimers and related dementias. Future research may determine that specific interventions are needed to prevent or delay the disease in some people, but others may need a combination of treatments based on their individual risk factors. Understanding risk factors and choices you can make now is important for both your present and future health. In addition to this website, consider the resources listed below to learn more.

    You can also help researchers learn more about preventing dementia by participating in clinical trials and studies. Search the Alzheimers.gov Clinical Trials Finder to find studies that need volunteers.

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    Watch Out For False Alzheimers Cures

    Although you might see commercials or online advertisements for products promising to improve brain health and prevent dementia, be cautious about such products. There currently is no product that will effectively prevent or treat Alzheimers or related dementias. Check with your doctor before trying any new medication or supplement.

    What Are Risk Factors

    • Risk factors are aspects of your lifestyle, environment and genetic background that increase the likelihood of getting a disease.
    • Risk factors on their own are not causes of a disease. Rather, risk factors represent an increased chance, but not a certainty, that dementia will develop.
    • Similarly, having little or no exposure to risk factors does not necessarily protect a person from developing dementia.

    There are some risk factors that can be changed, and some that cannot â read on to know which are which!

    Risk factors

    Read about risk factors for dementia in our downloadable, print-friendly infosheet.

    This sheet also contains strategies and lifestyle changes that can help you reduce your risk of developing dementia.

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    Health Environmental And Lifestyle Factors That May Contribute To Alzheimer’s Disease

    Research suggests that a host of factors beyond genetics may play a role in the development and course of Alzheimer’s disease. There is a great deal of interest, for example, in the relationship between cognitive decline and vascular conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure, as well as metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. Ongoing research will help us understand whether and how reducing risk factors for these conditions may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.

    A nutritious diet, physical activity, social engagement, sleep, and mentally stimulating pursuits have all been associated with helping people stay healthy as they age. These factors might also help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. Clinical trials are testing some of these possibilities.

    Early-life factors may also play a role. For example, studies have linked higher levels of education with a decreased risk of dementia. There are also differences in dementia risk among racial groups and sexesall of which are being studied to better understand the causes of Alzheimers disease and to develop effective treatments and preventions for all people.

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