While the exact reason individuals develop the disease is unknown, it is thought to depend on a multitude of factors. Those factors are a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Genetics play a very small percentage in a patient’s development of this disease; however, if the individual does fall into one of the few percent of the population in which there is a genetic history, then those individuals have a significantly higher risk of developing the disease in the future. What are the Risk Factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease? Age Alzheimer’s disease is a disorder of the older population. Therefore, age is the greatest associated risk for patients developing Alzheimer’s disease. Patients greater than the age of 65 have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease; and with each decade above age 60, the risk increases two-fold. Genetics Genetics and family history also play key roles in determining which patient population is likely to develop this disease in the future. If there is a significant history of a parent or sibling having the disease, then the individual is at an increased risk of developing the disease. There are only a small percentage of patients who develop Alzheimer’s disease as a result of genetic mutations.One genetic mutation that researchers have identified as increasing the risk of individuals developing Alzheimer’s disease is the APoE4.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia present among today’s population. It is a progressive disorder that affects the brain and memory. Alzheimer’s is known to rob individuals of their ability to connect with their family, friends, the environment, and themselves. Unfortunately, this neurodegenerative disorder is irreversible, meaning that once the damage is done, it cannot be undone. In Alzheimer’s disease, the cells of the brain begin to die, and as a result there is loss of function. Since there is no cure, current treatments aim at halting the progression rather than reversing it. Most individuals who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease are older and it is very unusual to have this condition before the age of 60. A hallmark sign of Alzheimer’s disease is cognitive and/or behavioral impairment. This impairment often begins slowly and becomes worse over time. Eventually the disease will significantly interfere with the patient’s ability to live independently. The progression of this disorder occurs in a stepwise fashion. In the early stages, the patient or patient’s family members may notice small differences in their loved one’s ability to remember certain items or complete certain tasks. Over time, the impairments become significantly more noticeable. In the final stages of this disorder, the patient will likely not be able to perform their daily activities by themselves, and in many instances, may not even recognize those closest to them.