7 factors that make one more likely to get Alzheimer's and how to minimise the chances

Alzheimer's is a serious, and progressive brain disorder that slowly affects memory, thinking, and the ability to carry out daily tasks. While it most commonly affects older adults, researchers have found that several factors can increase the chances of developing Alzheimer's. Knowing these risk factors can help people take steps to protect their brain health. Here are seven important things that could make you more likely to get Alzheimer's, based on current scientific studies..

The most significant risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease, exists in the natural aging process. The risk of developing Alzheimer's disease grows steadily, with each passing year of life. The majority of Alzheimer's disease patients receive their diagnosis when they reach age 65 or older. The risk of developing Alzheimer's disease increases by half every five years, after reaching 65. Research indicates that Alzheimer's disease affects one in three people, who live beyond age 85. While the progression of age increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's, the condition does not naturally occur with aging. To mitigate the risk, older adults should focus on brain health maintenance to delay, or minimise their chances of getting the disease.

People who have Alzheimer's disease in their immediate family members, face a higher chance of developing the condition. Specific genetic markers exist, which boost the likelihood of developing this disease. The APOE e4 gene stands as the primary recognised genetic risk factor, because it affects 25-30% of the population. A person who possesses one or two copies of APOE e4 gene variant, faces higher Alzheimer's disease risk, but the condition remains uncertain. The occurrence of rare genetic mutations leads to Alzheimer's disease, but these mutations appear in fewer than 1% of cases. The influence of genetics exists, but multiple elements within the body interact to produce the disease. Knowing your family medical background enables you to develop preventive strategies and monitoring plans for early detection.

The combination of depression and chronic stress creates more than emotional distress, because they increase the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The brain cells suffer damage from elevated cortisol levels, which also lead to worsening memory functions with time. Research indicates that depression which occurs during early life, may create conditions that lead to cognitive deterioration in the future. People who want to protect their brain health in the long term, should receive depression treatment and stress treatment through therapy, mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques. The relationship between mental health and cognitive function demonstrates that emotional wellness plays a vital role in brain health.

People who have heart and blood vessel problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke and high cholesterol face an elevated risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The combination of these health problems leads to brain blood vessel damage and inflammation, which results in progressive cognitive deterioration. People who maintain good cardiovascular health through proper diet, exercise and medical treatment will experience reduced chances of developing Alzheimer's disease. The management of type 2 diabetes and blood pressure control, serves dual purposes because it benefits heart health and brain protection during aging.

The two risk factors that people can change to lower their chances of developing Alzheimer's are physical inactivity, and smoking. Exercise as a regular practice, helps maintain brain function and blood circulation, which protects against memory loss and cognitive deterioration. Smoking causes blood vessel damage, while producing inflammation and results in dementia symptoms that appear earlier than normal. The most successful methods to decrease Alzheimer's risk and enhance brain and body wellness throughout life, include quitting smoking and maintaining regular physical exercise. Small adjustments made to daily routines produce substantial health benefits.

Sleep disorders including insomnia and sleep apnea, together with poor sleep quality, create an elevated risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The brain performs its natural waste removal process which includes amyloid-beta plaques during deep sleep stages, to clear out harmful substances. The brain's natural waste removal process becomes disrupted when sleep is interrupted or insufficient, which allows dangerous proteins to build up. People who want to protect their brain health should practice good sleep routines, including regular bedtimes and dark quiet sleeping areas, and obtain professional help for sleep disorders to lower their Alzheimer's disease risk.

People who have limited education and spend less time with others during middle age and beyond, face a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The brain develops cognitive reserve through extended education, which protects it from disease-related damage. Social activities help stimulate brain function while reducing social isolation, which appears to defend against memory and thinking ability deterioration. Learning activities together with reading, puzzles and socialising with friends or community groups, help people maintain their mental acuity which provides protective effects. The activities help build brain resistance while reducing the rate of cognitive deterioration.

References

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. “Risk Factors for Alzheimer's Disease,” 2018. https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/8164/risk-factors-for-alzheimers-disease/magazine

Alzheimer's Association. “What Causes Alzheimer's Disease?” 2024. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers/causes-and-risk-factors

Alzheimer's Society UK. “Risk factors for Alzheimer's disease,” 2023. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/who-gets-alzheimers-disease

Lancet Regional Health. “Risk factors for Alzheimer's and cognitive function,” 2025. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanam/article/PIIS2667-193X(25)00097-3/fulltext[13]

PMC. “Thirty risk factors for Alzheimer’s Disease unified by a common mechanism,” 2023. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10813027/

Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice