Alzheimer's Disease (Causes)

A progressive neurodegenerative disease, Alzheimer's slowly destroys an individual's memory, judgment, cognition and eventually ability to function. It represents an enormous burden on victims of the disease and their family alike.

The cause of Alzheimer's disease is not known, but it is not a part of normal aging and thought to include both genetic and environmental factors. By causing both structural and chemical problems in the brain, AD appears to disconnect areas of the brain that normally work together.

The most important risk factors are old age and a family history of dementia. In addition to age and family history, risk factors for AD may include longstanding high blood pressure, head trauma, and high levels of homocysteine (a body chemical that contributes to chronic illnesses such as heart disease, depression, and possibly AD). Because women usually live longer than men, they are more likely to develop AD.

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