Alzheimer's disease is a devastating illness affecting millions of people worldwide. According to the Alzheimer's Association, over 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, which is expected to double by 2050. The increase in Alzheimer's in the United States is a concerning trend, and it's important to understand why and how it can affect anyone, regardless of their genetics.
While having the Alzheimer's gene can increase your risk of developing the disease, it's not a guarantee. In fact, most cases of Alzheimer's disease are not hereditary, much to many people's chagrin who assumed, since they did not have the gene, they were in the clear. However, the research is evident; you can still develop Alzheimer's disease without the gene.
One thing to note is Alzheimer's disease is not typical for aging. While the risk of developing Alzheimer's does increase with age, it's not a foregone conclusion you will get Alzheimer's. So why is there an increase in Alzheimer's cases in the United States?
Two considerable contributors to Alzheimer's disease are Lifestyle and Environmental Factors. Lifestyle includes your diet, physical exercise, plenty of sleep, brain exercises, social interaction, etc. Environmental factors include mold, toxins, chemicals, Lyme disease, etc. It's vital to prioritize brain health by exercising regularly, eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and staying connected with other people. Research has shown that having healthy lifestyle factors can lower your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, even if you have the gene. Also, be aware of your environment, avoid household chemicals, and be mindful of what is in the products you use on your skin. Your skin is the biggest organ in your body, and the more chemicals you slather on it, like chemicals inside skin care products, the more chemicals get into your body and brain. Ensure you have your home tested for mold, radon, carbon monoxide, etc. You can't stay away from everything. Still, your risk will be drastically reduced if you do your due diligence and do what you can.
So, while the increase of Alzheimer's disease in the United States is a concerning trend, it's essential to understand that many factors contribute to the development of this disease. Many you can control, and many you can’t. Do what you can. Also, don't give yourself a free pass just because you got tested and do not have the gene. Not having the Alzheimer's gene does not mean you are immune to the disease. By prioritizing brain health and raising awareness about Alzheimer's disease, we can work together to end this devastating illness.
Check out ten factors linked to Alzheimer's at:
Sources:
Alzheimer's Association. "2021 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures." Available at: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures
Mayo Clinic. "Alzheimer's disease." Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350447
National Institute on Aging. "Preventing Alzheimer's Disease: What Do We Know?" Available at: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/preventing-alzheimers-disease-what-do-we-know
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