The Ultimate Guide to Dementia

5. Risk factors for Alzheimer's

Although the exact cause of Alzheimer's is unknown, several risk factors increase the likelihood that someone will develop the condition. The most significant risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease is simply age. Most people receive an Alzheimer's diagnosis at 65 or older, and after age 65, the risk for the condition doubles every five years. Alzheimer's also tends to run in families, and a combination of genetics and environmental factors are believed to play important roles in the development of this condition. Perhaps surprisingly, scientists discovered a —research suggests a significant correlation between clinically diagnosed depression and later development of Alzheimer's. Other risk factors include significant head injuries, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.