Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to execute the simplest tasks. The causes of Alzheimer’s aren’t yet fully understood but probably involve a combination of factors, including:
- Age-related brain changes. This includes brain shrinkage, inflammation, blood vessel damage, and breakdown of energy within cells.
- Health, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Exposure to pollutants, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity may play a role in Alzheimer’s.
- Changes or differences in genes. These may be passed down by a family member and may increase or lower your risk for the disease.
Learn more about what causes Alzheimer’s.
