What are Alzheimer’s risk factors?

There are factors that can put you at risk for Alzheimer’s some that you can’t avoid, and some that are within your control.

• Age
  • The risk of getting dementia nearly doubles every five years after you reach age 65.

• Family history and genetics
  • People with a family history of Alzheimer’s are thought to have a higher risk than those without that family history.

• Heart problems
  • There seems to be a link between the brain and heart health. The risk of stroke and vascular dementia increases with the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the arteries of your heart.

• Diabetes
  • Diabetes can damage blood vessels in the brain, increasing the risk of vascular dementia.

• Smoking
  • Some studies suggest that people who smoke have a higher risk of dementia. One reason for this may be that smokers have a higher risk of heart disease which, in turn, makes dementia more likely.

• Blood Pressure
  • High blood pressure can make dementia more likely for several reasons. High blood pressure in mid-life has been shown to increase the risk of dementia.