A lot of headway has been made in research to cure symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and new links to the causes of Alzheimer’s are being discovered all the time. If you’ve ever wondered what causes Alzheimer’s disease, here is some helpful information that will shed light on this complex disease:

Aging

While dementia and schizophrenia can strike in your early twenties, Alzheimer’s is almost exclusive to those over the age of 65. Information conducted by the Mayo Clinic reported that 95% of Alzheimer’s patients are 65 or older, but that symptoms of early onset Alzheimer’s can begin in your 40’s and 50’s.

Certain Proteins Found in the Brain

Alzheimer’s roots itself in dying brain cells. Every single day, we lose a certain amount of brain cells. Amyloid plaques, or the protein that forms around dead brain cells, is created when there’s sufficient space for it to thrive. It goes from the first stage, called plaques, to the second stage, called tangles.

Tangles in your brain are also called tau or formed from the disintegration of tau over time. As we age, our brain loses neurons every single day which allows more and more space for tau to form, thus bringing on Alzheimer’s.

Other Risk Factors

There are numerous factors in this toxin-ridden society that are believed to aid in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Plaques that lead to Alzheimer’s are found in patients who’ve sustained brain injuries, they’ve been linked to gum disease, (also called periodontal disease), and are also formed from certain soil toxins found by scientists. New factors are being determined every single day, and research still has a long way to go.

Does Your Loved One Have Alzheimer’s?

We understand how difficult the day-to-day can be when you’re learning about Alzheimer’s disease, particularly when someone you love is suffering from it. Feel free to contact us with questions about Alzheimer’s care, and learn how you can get the relief you and your loved one need to continue to thrive.