Causes of Alzheimer's disease

Understanding Alzheimer's disease

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The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease remains unknown. It is considered multifactorial, arising from a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors that interact to trigger the onset of the disease. The following are the main risk factors associated with its development:

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Main risk factors for Alzheimer's disease

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1. Genetic influence:some text
   • There are specific genes related to Alzheimer's disease, especially in early onset cases.
   • Having an immediate family member with the disease increases the probability of developing it by 2 to 4 times.
2. Age:
   some text
   • The risk of Alzheimer's doubles every 5 years after the age of 65.
   • At 85 years of age, the probability of developing the disease increases to 50%.
3. Sex:some text
   • Women tend to be more affected, possibly due to their longer life expectancy.
4. Educational level:some text
   • Higher education and cognitive exercise may reduce risk by promoting neuronal communication and plasticity.
   • A lower level of education is associated with a higher risk.
5. Health conditions:some text
   • Long-term arterial hypertension
   • History of traumatic head injury
   • elevated homocysteine levels (related to heart disease and neuropathy)
   • Depressive disorders or Down's syndrome
6. Diet and nutrition:some text
   • Diets rich in saturated fats, omega-6 fatty acids or hypercaloric foods are associated with an increased risk.
   • Specialized diets can help in prevention and treatment.
7. Lifestyle factors:some text
   • Tobacco use
   • Sedentary lifestyle
   • Diabetes and obesity

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Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease

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There is currently no single test to definitively diagnose Alzheimer's disease. Diagnosis involves a comprehensive approach:

1. Medical evaluation:some text
   • Complete medical history and physical examination to evaluate all body systems.
2. Neuropsychological evaluation:some text
   • Cognitive assessments, questionnaires and tests performed by a neuropsychologist to determine cognitive status.
3. Complementary tests:some text
   • Depending on the results, the medical and neuropsychological teams may recommend additional testing.
4. Family participation:some text
   • Family members play a crucial role, as they provide information on the patient's evolution and collaborate in the follow-up between visits.

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The role of the family in caregiving

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Families are vital in monitoring the patient's condition, ensuring accurate information to the healthcare team and supporting compliance with prescribed treatments. This collaboration is essential to tailor care and meet the specific needs of the individual.

If you or a loved one is experiencing memory loss or cognitive impairment, contact Mercedes Medical Center to schedule a consultation and begin a comprehensive evaluation.

‍Source: Vitalia.es