What Causes Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease develops due to a combination of biological, genetic, and lifestyle factors that gradually damage brain cells over time. Although researchers have learned a great deal about the disease, there is still no single cause that explains every case.

The cause of Alzheimer’s is not yet well understood. However, researchers have found buildup of beta-amyloid plaques outside brain cells and tau protein tangles inside neurons as responsible causes. These abnormal protein deposits interfere with communication between nerve cells, disrupt essential cellular functions, and eventually lead to the death of neurons. As more brain cells are lost, areas responsible for memory, reasoning, and behavior begin to shrink. The key risk factors includes:

• Age is one of the strongest factors (>60 years). However, many younger adults can also develop
• Gender, men are more susceptible to develop Alzheimer’s
• Genetic factor, APOE-e4, increases the likelihood of developing the disease, but carrying the gene does not guarantee Alzheimer’s development.
• Co-morbid conditions (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, insomnia) increase Alzheimer’s risk development. These conditions affect blood flow to the brain and promote inflammation, which may accelerate cognitive decline.

Researchers also believe that chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and changes in the brain’s immune system play important roles in disease progression.

While Alzheimer’s disease cannot always be prevented, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, managing chronic health conditions, engaging in regular mental stimulation, and remaining socially connected can help with Alzheimer’s.