The most well-known risk factor for Alzheimer’s is advancing age
1 in 9 people who are 65 years old or older have Alzheimer's disease
1 in 3 people who are 85 years old or older have Alzheimer's disease
Genetics
APOE-e4 is the first risk gene identified and remains the one with strongest impact
Other common forms of the APOE gene are APOE-e2 and APOE-e3
Researchers believe that APOE-e4 may be a factor in 20-25% of AD cases
Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is the first gene with mutations found to cause an inherited form of Alzheimer's
Presenilin-1 (PS-1) is the second gene with mutations found to cause early-onset of Alzheimer's.
Variations of this gene are the most common cause of early-onset Alzheimer's
Presenilin-2 (PS-2) is the third gene identified with mutations found to cause early-onset AD
Family History
Those who have a relative who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease has a higher risk of developing the disease
The development of AD in families may be due to genetics, environmental factors, or both
Lifestyle
The development of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes or high cholesterol increases a person's chances of developing a neurodegenerative disorder
Lack of exercise also increases a person's risk of developing AD, since it increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and strokes
Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing dementia later in life