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7 causes that trigger Alzheimer's disease
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. This neurological disease is characterized by progressive deterioration of speech and memory, and subsequently the patient cannot manage without outside help.
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- Alzheimer's disease can be predicted 20 years before its development
What factors provoke this disease?
Alzheimer's disease develops mainly in old age. At 71-79 years old, 2.3% of people suffer from this disease, at 80 - 9-89 years old - 18%, and about 30% of people over 90 years old suffer from Alzheimer's disease.
Women
Men have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease than women, which is due to the life expectancy of women, who are known to live longer. Another cause of dementia is menopause and the decrease in estrogen.
Heredity
There are suggestions that Alzheimer's disease can be triggered by lifestyle and genetic factors, so if there are people in the family suffering from this disease, the risk of passing it on by inheritance is quite high.
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Smoking
According to scientists, smoking doubles the risk of developing the disease. The reason for this is the negative impact of nicotine on the cardiovascular system, which leads to oxidation of cells and, as a result, brain damage.
Diabetes mellitus
Just like smokers, diabetics are also at risk. According to research, the higher the blood sugar level, the greater the risk of developing the disease. Scientists have not yet been able to determine the reason for this pattern.
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Nutrition
An unbalanced diet rich in fats also becomes a risk factor. It is never too late to change your habits. Eat more foods rich in vitamin C and B vitamins, as well as complex carbohydrates.
Physical activity
Regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by 40% in people over 65.
Mental stress
Just as physical activity strengthens the body, mental work trains the brain. According to experts, reading books and newspapers, visiting exhibitions and museums can reduce the risk of developing the disease by 47%.
Social isolation
Loneliness is an equally important risk factor for the disease.
Read also: Loneliness leads to changes in the brain and depression
According to research by scientists, even if a person has relatives, he can still feel lonely and isolated from society.