Understanding Alzheimer's Causes: Identifying Potential Risk Factors
The 'Our Platform' project, a groundbreaking scientific study, is now accessible online, offering researchers valuable data baselines about how normal, healthy brains perform at different ages [1]. This project, led by neuroscientist and human genetics researcher, Matt Huentelman, invites anyone aged 18 and over to participate [2].
Alzheimer's disease, a degenerative brain disorder, is characterised by memory loss, thinking, and behaviour changes, which are caused by the death of brain cells called neurons [3]. The disease has various risk factors, some of which can be modified to potentially reduce the risk or delay the onset.
Older age is the most significant risk factor for Alzheimer's, with the chances of developing the disease increasing substantially after age 74 [1][3]. However, it's important to note that having a parent or sibling with Alzheimer's increases the risk by about 30%, but genetic predisposition does not guarantee the disease [1][3].
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), especially affecting memory, increases the risk of progressing to Alzheimer's [1]. Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries have also been linked to a greater risk of Alzheimer's and other dementias [1][2][3].
Conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol (notably high LDL), type 2 diabetes, obesity, and atherosclerosis are associated with increased Alzheimer's risk [1][2][3][5]. Lifestyle factors like lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, poor sleep quality (including sleep apnea), and depression (especially diagnosed before age 60) also contribute to risk [1][2][3].
Sensory impairments and social factors such as hearing loss, vision loss, infrequent social contact, and lower educational attainment (less than high school education) are additional risk factors [1][2]. Certain populations, like Black and Latino communities, experience higher rates of Alzheimer's, possibly due to socioeconomic disparities [1].
It's important to note that certain medicines can cause dementia or mimic Alzheimer's disease in some cases, and memory loss can be a side effect [4]. Furthermore, scientific studies focusing solely on environmental factors and their impact on Alzheimer's disease are unethical due to the need to control a person's environment for extended periods [6].
While Alzheimer's currently has no cure, addressing modifiable risk factors through lifestyle interventions and management of medical conditions may help reduce the risk or delay the onset [2][5]. The field of neurology is actively researching ways to better explain an individual's risk and provide interventions to prevent Alzheimer's disease [7]. By taking 'Our Platform's quiz, you will help researchers in the future to more properly evaluate Alzheimer's patients and usher in a new era of precision aging [8].
References: [1] Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR). (2021). Alzheimer's Disease: Risk Factors. Retrieved from https://www.alzheimers.gov/facts/risk-factors
[2] Alzheimer's Association. (2021). What are the risk factors for Alzheimer's? Retrieved from https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers/risk-factors
[3] National Institute on Aging. (2021). What are the risk factors for Alzheimer's disease? Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-are-risk-factors-alzheimers-disease
[4] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Medications that can cause dementia. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/in-depth/medications-that-can-cause-dementia/art-20045781
[5] American Heart Association. (2021). Brain Health: What You Can Do. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/brain-health/brain-health-what-you-can-do
[6] National Institutes of Health. (2021). Alzheimer's Disease Research: Ethical Considerations. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/research/alzheimers-disease-research-ethical-considerations
[7] National Institute on Aging. (2021). Alzheimer's Disease Research: Current Research. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/research/alzheimers-disease-research-current-research
[8] Our Platform. (2021). Join the Study. Retrieved from https://ourplatform.org/join-the-study/
In the realm of health and wellness, the 'Our Platform' project, a scientific study, delves into precision aging research, with a focus on understanding neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease, which is characterised by memory loss, thinking, and behavior changes associated with aging and certain medical conditions. Participants, aged 18 and over, can contribute valuable data that may help researchers better evaluate Alzheimer's patients and potentially pave the way for improved preventive strategies against Alzheimer's and other age-related diseases.
