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Over ten risk factors can promote the development of the disease. Certain symptoms and complaints appear years before diagnosis.
More than 1.8 million people in Germany are affected by Alzheimer’s disease, which involves a gradual breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. This process leads to a lack of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, which leads to disruptions in information processing in the brain and ultimately memory loss. However, possible triggers for the disease can largely be influenced positively.
Risk factors for Alzheimer’s dementia: What triggers the disease?
In addition to age being the main risk factor, depression, lack of sleep, serious head injuries and hearing loss also increase the risk of developing a pathological brain disorder. Even exposure to particulate matter is mentioned as a point of discussion, they said Alzheimer Research Initiative e. v. Ten known risk factors for Alzheimer’s dementia are:
- Lack of exercise
- Regular and high levels of alcohol consumption
- Smoke
- Overweight
- diabetes
- High blood pressurewhich is not treated
- Traumatic brain injuries, even mild ones
- depressions
- Loneliness and social isolation
- Hearing loss that is not treated
What are the first signs of Alzheimer’s?
The first signs of the neurological disease can appear years before diagnosis without being directly linked to Alzheimer’s. The symptoms increase as the disease progresses, make everyday life more difficult and often lead to a need for care – also and often by relatives.
Early indications of possible Alzheimer’s disease can be:
- Memory disorders, especially concerning short-term memory: those affected ask the same questions several times in conversation, repeat statements, and difficulty finding words can become noticeable.
- Items are misplaced.
- Problems with arithmetic, counting and finances arise.
- Difficulties with spatial and temporal orientation become apparent.
- Restlessness and nervousness appear relatively suddenly.
- Strength Mood swings with sudden suspiciousness or aggressive behavior are noticed by outsiders and especially family members.
- Sleep disorders, disruption of deep sleep or daytime tiredness are becoming increasingly common.
A dementia test with pictures, numbers and shapes, the clock test or the supermarket task can reveal the first signs of possible Alzheimer’s dementia.
Alzheimer’s dementia: At what age does the disease begin and what is the life expectancy?
In most cases, Alzheimer’s begins after the age of 65. However, there are also cases under the age of 50 or 40, which are often genetic. Like most forms of dementia, Alzheimer’s progresses gradually and, on average, leads to death after diagnosis after around eight to twelve years, according to the portal Neurologists and psychiatrists online – depending on the stage at which the disease is diagnosed and how old the person affected is at the time. Although drug therapy and psychosocial measures can more or less delay the progression of Alzheimer’s, especially in the early stages, a cure is not yet possible.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.