What are some predisposing factors of dementia?

Answer 1

People at risk of Alzheimer's disease are people over 65 and anyone suffering from obesity.

About 4.5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's. According to the Alzheimer's Association, it is the 4th leading cause of death. People over the age of 65 are at the greatest risk for developing the disease. The more advanced the person's age, the greater the risk; 10 percent of those 65 years of age will have the disease, whereas 50 percent of those over 85 will suffer from Alzheimer's. However, with newer testing and assessment tools, people have been diagnosed as young as in their 40s and 50s. Men and women are affected equally. Research is being done to further examine the genetic and hereditary component that appears to exist for some families.

Answer 2

1. Genetic causes (accounting for at least 10-15% of Alzheimer's)

2. Menial labor/little use of one's cognitive abilities is very significantly

correlated with increased Alzheimer's disease risk (as opposed to

those who work in jobs requiring higher order cognitive processing)

Answer 3

Some symptoms of Alzheimer's are memory loss, difficulty solving problems, confusion, lessened judgment, social isolation, and mood swings. Some causes of Alzheimer's disease are still unknown. However, doctors have found that a buildup of proteins in the brain may contribute to the disease.

Answer 4

Genetics

Age

High blood pressure

Smoking

Excessive alcohol consumption

Certain medical conditions such as Parkinson's disease.