The number of people with Alzheimer’s disease doubles about every 5 years beyond age 65. Older age does not cause Alzheimer’s, but it is the most important known risk factor for the disease. These and other changes affect a person’s ability to remember and think and, eventually, to live independently. It is characterized by changes in the brain-including amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary, or tau, tangles-that result in loss of neurons and their connections. The importance of any one of these factors in increasing or decreasing the risk of Alzheimer's disease may differ from person to person.Īlzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disease. The causes probably include a combination of age-related changes in the brain, along with genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Scientists don't yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer's disease in most people. Health, Environmental, and Lifestyle Factors that May Contribute to Alzheimer's Disease.
