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3 Potential Causes and Risks of Alzheimer's

By Ernest Hamilton | Update Date: Nov 08, 2019 10:10 PM EST
3 Potential Causes and Risks of Alzheimer's

(Photo : 3 Potential Causes and Risks of Alzheimer's)

Millions of people across the world have Alzheimer's, a disease that damaging effect on your memory, thinking skills, and is unfortunately irreversible. For those dealing with this diagnosis, surrounding yourself with a team of specialists such as doctors, therapists, caregivers, and supportive loved ones is important. Spending time with people and socializing can help your memory, aiding in keeping connections to people and places. Doctors are still trying to find out how and why people get Alzheimer's and continue to search for a cure. Here are 3 potential causes and risks of Alzheimer's.

What is Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's is just one of 100 diseases or conditions that fall under dementia. Some symptoms of Alzheimer's can include memory loss, difficulty retaining and remembering information, or losing the ability to recall words or even personality changes such as depression or aggression. Alzheimer's can be diagnosed by a thorough exam that rules out other medical problems. For example, your doctor may order an Alzheimer's brain scan which may detect differences from blood flow or the brain's memory center. Though there is still no cure for Alzheimer's, there are steps to take to maintain a healthier life. A doctor may put you on certain medications and recommend a caregiver to assist you with daily tasks. Foods and supplements to boost memory can be added to your diet and playing challenging brain games may also help give your mind some extra vitality.

Physical Injury

One potential reason for Alzheimer's may be contributed to a brain injury. Trauma to the cerebral area due to a physical injury from an accident or sports may impact a person later in life. Studies going back to the 1920s shows athletes in contact sports were suffering from dementia later in life. Dr. Martland, who coined the phrase "punch drunk" saw boxers displaying symptoms such as Parkinson-like facial movements and gradual damage to mental capacity. If you or a loved one have suffered harm due to a car accident that caused brain injury or damage, you might want to discuss the possibility of a potential case with a lawyer. Victims of TBI or traumatic brain injury, are at increased risk of developing Alzheimer's. Your lawyer will need evidence such as accident reports and all medical records to help you obtain some car accident injury compensation

Genetics

Having a close family member who has Alzheimer's increases your chances of getting it yourself. Studies have been searching to determine the role DNA plays in your potential risk of getting Alzheimer's. Organizations such as the Alzheimer's Prevention Registry gather data from patients to narrow down potential causes in hopes of figuring out a cure. Genes passed down between family members may hold the key to understanding how and when Alzheimer's may develop. Having two parents with the genes, for example, doesn't necessarily mean their children will get it. Genetic testing continues to be done to figure out possible mutations and how specific proteins affect the brain. This can lead to new methods such as medications that can help increase healthy cells and a more accurate early detection. 

Gender and Age

Women in the menopausal years are more likely to develop Alzheimer's than men. Out of the 5.5 million people nationwide who have it, over half are women 65 years of age or older. The protein which is found in the brain of those with Alzheimer's may be detected later in women. This is one reason early onset can be missed; women's brains hide the deterioration better. Studies show females doing well on cognitive tests than men thanks to the metabolization of sugar in the body. This energy source helps women deal with the damage this disease does to the brain. Your brain ages too, which is why as you get older (Alzheimer's genes or not) keeping your mind active is important. Alzheimer's isn't often found in younger adults, but as you reach those golden years, your risk grows greatly. However, there are things to do to increase your memory and body healthy. You can extend your life and help your heart by spending time with your grandkids and eating healthy brain food such as lean fish and whole grains. 

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