Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that affects memory, thinking skills, and behavior. It is currently the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and is estimated to affect more than 5 million Americans.
While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, researchers are constantly searching for ways to prevent or slow its onset.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. The disease is characterized by the buildup of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, which can cause nerve cells to malfunction and die.
As nerve cells die, the brain shrinks and the person’s abilities to think, reason, and remember decline.
How can you tell if you’re at risk for Alzheimer’s disease?
There is no foolproof way to predict who will develop Alzheimer’s disease, but certain factors can increase your risk.
Some of these risk factors are beyond your control, such as age and genetics, while others can be managed through lifestyle changes.
Age
One of the biggest risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease is age. The risk of developing the disease doubles every five years after the age of 65. By age 85, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease is nearly one in two.
Genetics
Another major risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease is genetics. Researchers have identified several genes that increase the risk of developing the disease.
The most well-known of these genes is the ApoE4 gene, which is present in about 25% of the population and is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Lifestyle factors
While age and genetics cannot be controlled, certain lifestyle factors can be modified to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. These factors include:.
- Physical exercise
- Healthy diet
- Adequate sleep
- Mental stimulation
- Social engagement
- Managing stress
Quiz: Are you at risk for Alzheimer’s disease?
Answer the following questions to find out if you’re at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Keep track of how many of these risk factors apply to you:.
Question 1: Are you over the age of 65?
If you answered “yes,” give yourself one point.
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Question 2: Do you have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease?
If you answered “yes,” give yourself one point.
Question 3: Do you have the ApoE4 gene?
If you answered “yes,” give yourself one point.
Question 4: Do you have high blood pressure?
If you answered “yes,” give yourself one point.
Question 5: Do you have high cholesterol?
If you answered “yes,” give yourself one point.
Question 6: Are you physically inactive?
If you answered “yes,” give yourself one point.
Question 7: Do you have a poor diet?
If you answered “yes,” give yourself one point.
Question 8: Do you smoke?
If you answered “yes,” give yourself one point.
Question 9: Do you have diabetes?
If you answered “yes,” give yourself one point.
Question 10: Do you have depression?
If you answered “yes,” give yourself one point.
Scoring
Add up the number of “yes” answers to get your score:.
- If your score is 0-2, you have a lower than average risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
- If your score is 3-5, you have an average risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
- If your score is 6-10, you have a higher than average risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Conclusion
While there is no surefire way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, knowing your risk factors can help you take steps to reduce your risk.
By making healthy lifestyle choices, you can help protect your brain and delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
