Causes of Alzheimer's Disease

There is no specific cause to which responsibility for the onset of Alzheimer's Disease can be attributed. On the contrary, its etiology is multifactorial, that is, there are a series of risk factors, both genetic and environmental, which, by interfering with each other, give rise to a series of events that result in the onset of the disease.

The main risk factors involved in the etiopathogenesis of Alzheimer's are:

• Genetic influence: There are several genes involved, especially in the type of early onset. In cases where an immediate family member suffers from the disease, the likelihood that their offspring will develop it is 2-4 times greater.
• Age: The risk doubles every 5 years. At 65, the probability of suffering from it is 10%, rising to 50% at 85 years of age.
• Sex: Controversial issue. There is a higher percentage of women who have the disease, however, it is believed that it may be due to their longer life expectancy.
• Schooling and educational level: Cognitive exercise and learning stimulate neural communication (neurological plasticity), so a low educational level is associated with an increased risk of developing the disease.
• Long-term high blood pressure:
• History of Head Injury
• Nutrition: A diet based on high-calorie products, with high levels of saturated fatty acids and/or omega 6 fatty acids, is related to a higher risk of suffering from Alzheimer's. There are specialized diets for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's.
• High homocysteine levels. This substance is an organic amino acid that is involved in fundamental processes for the body, but which, in high concentrations, is closely related to the onset of heart disease and neuropathy.
• History of depressive disorders or Down syndrome.
• Others: Tobacco, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes and obesity.

At present, there is no specific test for the Certainty Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease, but it is necessary to carry out a comprehensive assessment that covers the patient's neurological, psychological and physical areas, to arrive at a Diagnosis. In general, a complete anamnesis is taken and a personal medical history is prepared that includes all the data of interest to the doctor. In the same way, a comprehensive physical examination is carried out detailing the functionality of each of the systems and devices.

The Neuropsychologist, for his part, performs a battery of tests, and questionnaires designed to assess the patient's cognitive state. If necessary, and after reaching a consensus between the medical and neuropsychology teams, the complementary tests that these professionals consider appropriate will be scheduled.

Finally, the figure of the family takes on special relevance at this point, since they will be considered to be the most reliable informants when it comes to informing the doctor about the patient's evolution, and “following up” for the period of time between consultation and consultation, which is of vital importance when prescribing a correct treatment according to the needs of the elderly.

Source: www.vitalia.es