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Alzheimer's disease develops when the risk factors for the disease combine and reach a level that overwhelms the brain's ability to maintain and repair itself. So reducing as many of the risk factors that you can makes good sense. By making healthy lifestyle choices, you may be able to reduce your risk and improve your brain's ability to sustain long-term health.
There are two risk factors that you can't control: genetics and aging.
The Genetic Component
There is no doubt that genetics play a role in the disease. Yet, only a small percentage of cases are associated with the specific genes that cause the inherited form of the disease. The majority of cases may have genetic links but it only slightly increases your risk of getting the disease if a family member had/has Alzheimer's disease.
Aging
Age is the most significant known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Even with other risk factors present, Alzheimer's disease never sets in until mid to late adulthood. However, researchers believe that the disease process starts years before symptoms appear.
Although you can't control genetics and aging, there is a lot you can do that may help reduce your risk of getting the disease. For ways to make healthier lifestyle choices, see sections listed on the Healthy Brain page.
For some great ways to take action on brain health, visit our BrainBoosterTM pages.
For a reference list of studies regarding Alzheimer's disease and brain health, click here.
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