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    • Dementia and Alzheimer's
    • Guide
    • Overview
      • What Is Dementia?
      • What Is Alzheimer's Disease?
      • Other Dementias
    • Diagnosis & Stages
    • Causes & Risks
      • Causes of Alzheimer's Disease
      • Race As a Risk Factor
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      • Day-to-Day Living With Alzheimer's
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      • When Alzheimer's Affects More than Memory
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      • Where to Find Support for Alzheimer’s
      • Care Facilities
    • View Full Guide

    Causes & Risks

    1. Causes of Alzheimer's Disease

      1. Causes of Alzheimer's Disease

        Researchers don't know exactly what causes Alzheimer's disease. There are probably a lot of things that are behind it.

      2. Is Alzheimer’s Genetic?

        No one knows the exact cause of Alzheimer's disease, but scientists do know that genes are involved.

      3. Alzheimer's Disease in Older Men vs. Older Women

        Both men and women are at increasing risk for Alzheimer’s disease as they age. But women get it more often.

      4. Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease Risk

        Down syndrome increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. People with Down syndrome also experience premature aging. 

      5. Anticholinergic Drugs and Dementia Risk

        Several years ago, researchers conducted a study to look at a possible link between anticholinergic drugs and dementia risk.

      6. Alzheimer’s, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress

        Scientists increasingly suspect that Alzheimer’s may also be linked to oxidative stress and inflammation.

      7. The Link Between the ICU and Dementia

        ICU delirium is severe confusion that can lead to serious and possibly long-lasting brain problems, including dementia.

      8. Controversial Alzheimer's Disease Risk Factors

        One of the most publicized and controversial theories concerns aluminum, which became a suspect in Alzheimer's disease.

    2. Race As a Risk Factor

      1. Alzheimer’s Disease in the Black Community

        The overall chance of a person getting Alzheimer’s disease is more than 1 in 10. But it’s even more likely if you’re Black.

      2. Hispanics and Latinos and Alzheimer’s Disease

        While everyone is at risk to develop Alzheimer's as they age, Hispanics and Latinos are predicted to have the largest increase.

      3. Alzheimer's in Asian Populations

        As Alzheimer’s cases climb, experts project the condition will triple among Asian Americans by 2030.

      4. Alzheimer's in Native American Elders

        In general, Native Americans are more likely to get Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia than whites and Asian Americans are.

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