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Risk
Factors |
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The
exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is unknown. Almost
certainly there are both genetic and environmental
factors involved. There are however 5 risk factors
recognised in the development of Alzheimer's disease
(AD).
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1.
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Age.
The older a person is, the greater the risk
of developing the disease.
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2.
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Gender.
It appears to affect more women than men. Family
History. The risk of developing the disease
is greater if a primary relative (ie. parent,
grandparent or sibling) developed AD prior to
the age of 65 yrs.
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3.
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Down's
Syndrome. All people with Down's syndrome
develop the same brain changes as in Alzheimer's
disease by the time they are 40 years old. Their
abilities and behaviour will then progressively
deteriorate as in AD.
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4.
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Head
Injury. A severe head injury or repeated blows
to the head (eg. boxing) may predispose a person
to the development of AD.
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5.
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Severe deficiencies of Folic Acid and Vitamin
B12 are now recognised as risk factors for
the development of AD. The degree of deficiency
appears related to a co-existent malabsorptive
process ie. the digestive system does not absorb
nutrients effectively.
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Help
Line
 
Freecall
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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