Risk Factors

Age: The risk of developing Alzheimer’s increases with age. Approximately 5 percent of Americans between the ages of 65 to 74, and almost half of those 85 years and older suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.

Genetics: Early-onset Alzheimer's has been clearly shown to be genetic in origin. While mutations on chromosomes 9 and 19 have been linked with late-onset Alzheimer's (the most common form), not everyone with the mutations develops the disease. The relationship between genetics and late-onset Alzheimer's is not fully known.

Other: Some studies have implicated prior traumatic head injury, lower education level, and female gender as possible risk factors. Scientists are finding increasing evidence that some of the risk factors for heart disease and stroke, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and low levels of the vitamin folate, may also increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. However, at the present time, no definitive causes have been identified. Evidence for physical, mental, and social activities as protective factors against Alzheimer's disease is also increasing.