7 Causes of Alzheimer's Disease
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia (dementia). This neurological disease is characterized by progressive deterioration of speech and memory, afterwards the patient can not do without outside help.
Read also:
- The periods when it is possible to prevent Alzheimer's disease
- Alzheimer's disease can be predicted 20 years before its development
What factors provoke this disease?
Alzheimer's disease develops mainly in the elderly. In 71 - 79 years, this disease affects 2.3% of people, 80 - 9-89 years - 18%, and patients with Alzheimer's disease people over 90 years, there are about 30%.
Women
In men, the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease is lower than that of women, which is related to the life expectancy of women who are known to live longer. Another reason for the development of dementia is menopause and a decrease in the amount of estrogens.
Heredity
There are suggestions that Alzheimer's disease can provoke a lifestyle and genetic factors, so if there are people with this disease in the family, the risk of inheriting it is high enough.
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Smoking
According to scientists, smoking increases the risk of developing the disease in half. The reason for this is the negative effect of nicotine on the cardiovascular system, which leads to cell oxidation and, as a result, brain damage.
Diabetes
Like smokers, diabetics are also at risk. According to the research results, the higher the blood sugar level , the greater the risk of developing the disease. The reason for such a regularity of scientists to find out yet failed.
Food
Unbalanced diet, saturated with fats, also becomes a risk factor. It's 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 older than 65 years.
Mental load
Like physical activity, strengthening the body, and mental work trains the brain. According to experts, reading books and newspapers, visiting exhibitions and museums can reduce the risk of the disease by 47%.
Social isolation
Loneliness is no less important risk factor provoking the disease.
Read also: Loneliness leads to changes in the brain and depression
According to research scientists, even if a person has relatives, he can still feel lonely and isolated from society.