While some changes in memory and thinking are a normal part of aging, Alzheimer’s is not. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Dementia is a general term for the loss of memory, problem-solving and thinking abilities that interferes with daily life.
The risk of getting this disease increases with age. Alzheimer’s typically affects people aged 60 or older.
Younger people can get Alzheimer’s disease, but it is less common. In some cases, early signs can appear as early as the mid-40s. This is known as early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Dementia Prevention Resources
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Cause
Researchers believe that many risk factors play a role in causing Alzheimer’s and other dementias, including genetics, behaviors and habits.
While some risk factors, such as age and family history, may be set in their influence, there are many risk factors that can be changed to potentially reduce a person’s risk of cognitive decline.
We do not yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease. There likely is not one single factor, but rather a combination of factors that cause the disease.
These factors, which may affect each person differently, include:
- Genes
- Family history
- Environmental factors
- Lifestyle behaviors
Symptoms
Signs of dementia can vary greatly. Examples include problems with:
- Short-term memory
- Keeping track of a purse or wallet
- Paying bills
- Planning and preparing meals
- Remembering appointments
- Traveling out of the neighborhood
Dementia symptoms are progressive, which means that the signs of cognitive impairment start out slowly and gradually get worse over time, leading to dementia. If you or someone you know is experiencing memory difficulties or other changes in thinking skills, don’t ignore them.
Talk to your health care provider to determine the cause. Professional evaluation may detect a treatable condition. And even if symptoms suggest dementia, early diagnosis allows a person to get the maximum benefit from available treatments
Risk Factors
Research suggests that people who adopt healthy lifestyle habits can lower the risk of memory loss or slow it down. These habits include staying physically active and keeping your heart healthy.
Treatment
There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease at this time. But getting proper medical care and treatment can improve the quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s. Treatment can:
- Help people maintain brain health
- Manage behavioral symptoms
- Slow or delay symptoms of the disease
Treatment of Alzheimer’s depends on the underlying cause and the progression of the disease. Prescription drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These drugs:
- Temporarily ease some symptoms
- Can slow the disease from getting worse
- Typically work best for people in the early or middle stages of Alzheimer’s
Medications don’t work for everyone, and they may lose effectiveness over time.
Prevention
While age, family history and heredity are all risk factors we can’t change, research shows we can influence other risk factors through healthy living and management of health conditions.
Research shows that incorporating healthy habits is beneficial for brain health and may reduce the risk of cognitive decline and possibly dementia. These measures include challenging your mind by learning new skills and staying sharp, building movement and exercise into your day, quitting smoking, eating right, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting quality sleep.