Although certain basic lifestyle changes can help delay the onset of the disease in some people, the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease isn’ t ye
t understood.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative brain disorder: Normal brain cell function is gradually destroyed, leading to irreversible declines in memory, cognition, and behavior.
But what causes things to go awry remains unknown.
It may be that Alzheimer’s has several causes or that the interplay between genetic makeup and certain risk factors determines who’s affected.
The following questions are based on the known risk factors for Alzheimer’s. See how many apply to you or someone you are caring for, to assess the risk of eventually developing the disease.