Who Are Likely To Get Alzheimer's Disease?

On the 21st of the month, World Alzheimer’s Day will be observed with the objective of creating a society wherein patients who suffer from Alzheimer’s related dementia are treated with empathy, kindness, and respect by citizens who strive to be aware and responsible for the cause. One must, however, be well-informed about the disease and its many repercussions so as to contribute better to the overall well-being of their society.

Who are Likely to get Alzheimer’s Disease?

• Elderly People

It has been observed that people above the age of 65 tend to be at a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. In fact, every 5 years, this risk is doubled for people who fall in this age group. While genetic factors may couple with ageing to invite the disease, it is likely that in numerous instances environmental aspects and lifestyle choices also play a big role.

• Family History of Alzheimer’s or Dementia

In certain families, it has been observed that dementia or Alzheimer’s has been passed on from one generation to its next. This has largely to do with the genetic makeup of family members, and children of dementia patients are always at a greater risk of developing this disease. The majority of dementia cases, however, do not result from inheritance factors.

• Gender

Recent studies in dementia and Alzheimer’s related complications have revealed that women past the age of 60 are twice as likely to suffer from dementia as their male counterparts. In fact, the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s is understood to be greater than developing breast cancer. The precise reasons behind this are yet to be known, but medical experts feel that the loss of oestrogen hormone in women after menopause might be a contributing factor to the cause.

• Poor Lifestyle Practices

Lifestyle factors play a crucial role in determining one’s likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s. Smoking regularly, consuming alcohol in excess amounts, and leading a sedentary life with minimum physical activity can lead to numerous debilitating health factors, one of them being dementia.

• Accident or Head Injury

Individuals who might have suffered from severe head injuries tend to do serious damage to their brain. This may often turn into a cause for the onset and development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Since the exact reasons behind Alzheimer’s is not fully known, it is best to be prudent about one’s lifestyle choices!