Alzheimer's disease is a fear that many people have in their minds. We all wonder if we or someone we love will develop this disease. "Is this a hereditary disease?", "Is it possible for me to get it too?" Questions like these are probably on your mind. So today, let's talk about what the real causes of Alzheimer's disease are, that is, what the risk factors are.
What happens to the brain in Alzheimer's disease?
Simply put, Alzheimer's disease is a condition in which brain cells gradually die. Scientists have identified two main reasons for this. Think of our brain as a big city, and nerve cells are the houses in that city. These houses need to communicate with each other for the city to function properly.
1. Beta-amyloid plaques: These are like those sticky, hard-to-remove clumps of "garbage" that accumulate in the sidewalks between houses. In a healthy brain, these proteins break down and are removed. But in Alzheimer's disease, they build up and form plaques. This disrupts the communication between cells.
2. Neurofibrillary (tau) tangles: Think of these as something that messes up the message-carrying system inside your house. They are formed by a protein called tau. This stops the transport of nutrients and important things inside your cells.
These plaques and tangles disrupt communication between brain cells. Over time, these damaged cells die. The brain then gradually begins to shrink. This is what causes symptoms like forgetfulness, difficulty speaking, confusion, and behavioral changes .
Is this a hereditary disease?
This is something that many people fear. True, there is some genetic link. If someone in your immediate family (such as a mother, father, or sibling) has Alzheimer's disease, you are slightly more likely to develop it. But that doesn't mean you will definitely develop it.
Scientists have discovered a gene called `(Apolipoprotein E - APoE)`. If you have the `(APoE4)` variant of this gene, you are more likely to develop the disease than others. But not everyone who has this gene develops the disease, and not everyone who does not have this gene will develop the disease.
Very rarely, less than one in 100 people with Alzheimer's disease can develop the disease due to a specific gene mutation. This is called ``Early onset familial Alzheimer's disease''. It can begin in middle age.
So, don't worry if someone in your family has this disease. In most cases, it's not just genetics that are the cause. Our lifestyle and environment also play a big role in it.
The main risk factors for Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease is not a disease caused by a single cause. It is a combination of many factors, including genes, lifestyle, and environment. Let's take a look at the main risk factors.
Aging
Forgetfulness is not a normal part of aging. However, the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease increases with age. This risk usually peaks after the age of 65.
Head Trauma
A person who suffers a traumatic brain injury after the age of 50 is at increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, especially within the first two years after the injury.
Down Syndrome
People with Down syndrome are at increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease because the gene that makes amyloid plaques, which we talked about earlier, is located on an extra chromosome.
| Risk factor/associated condition | The relationship with Alzheimer's disease |
|---|---|
| High cholesterol and high blood pressure | These conditions can damage the delicate blood vessels in the brain. This reduces the blood and nutrients that reach the brain, which can damage brain cells. What's good for the heart is also good for the brain. |
| Diabetes | People with diabetes are at higher risk of Alzheimer's. Sometimes, brain cells become resistant to insulin. For this reason, some scientists are calling Alzheimer's "Type 3 Diabetes." |
| Sleep apnea | Sleep is essential for brain health. Sleep apnea reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain. If left untreated, it increases the risk of Alzheimer's. |
| Hearing Loss | Hearing loss can reduce the function of some parts of the brain. It also increases the risk of social isolation due to hearing loss. Using hearing aids can reduce this risk. |
| Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption | The toxins in cigarettes damage cells. Excessive alcohol consumption can shrink the areas of the brain involved in memory. Both of these significantly increase the risk of Alzheimer's. |
| Obesity | Obesity can cause chronic inflammation in the body. This can also damage brain cells. Obesity also increases other risk factors, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. |
| Depression and social isolation | There is a link between depression and Alzheimer's. Perhaps the two have common causes. Also, loneliness and social isolation are not good for brain health. |
Discussed but not yet confirmed facts
Although rumors have spread about certain things, it has not yet been scientifically proven that they directly affect Alzheimer's disease.
- Aluminum: In the past, there was a belief that using aluminum utensils caused Alzheimer's. However, many studies now show that the amount of aluminum consumed in normal amounts poses no risk.
- Viruses: Research is being conducted to determine whether there is a link between certain types of viruses (e.g., herpes virus) and Alzheimer's, but no definitive conclusion has yet been reached.
Things we can do to reduce the risk
Although there is still no way to 100% prevent Alzheimer's disease, there are many things we can do to reduce the risk.
1. Exercise regularly: When you exercise, your brain gets better blood flow and oxygen. This improves brain health.
2. Eat a heart-healthy diet: Cut down on foods high in oil, fat, and sugar, and eat more vegetables, fruits, and greens. What's good for the heart is also good for the brain.
3. Get enough sleep: It is essential to get 6-8 hours of good sleep a day. It is during sleep that the brain cleans itself.
4. Challenge your brain: Learn something new, read books, solve puzzles, be social. Keeping your brain active is very important.
5. Control other diseases: If you have diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, or cholesterol, follow your doctor's instructions carefully . Controlling them well can also help reduce your risk of Alzheimer's.
Take-Home Message
- Alzheimer's disease is not caused by a single cause. It is a combination of many factors, including genes, lifestyle, and health conditions.
- Just because someone in your family has had the disease doesn't mean you'll develop it. Our lifestyle can have a bigger impact than genes.
- There is a strong connection between heart health and brain health. Doing things that are good for the heart also protects the brain.
- If you have any concerns or doubts about this, talk to your doctor about it openly . He or she can give you the best advice.
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