World Alzheimer's Day 2023: Understanding The Risk Factors For Alzheimer's Disease

World Alzheimer's day is observed on 21 September each year. This day was launched in 1994 and each year it tries to eradicate that stigma that surrounds the condition. It also attempts to create required awareness about this condition.

Alzheimer's is a progressive disorder that starts with forgetting recent events and later causing difficulty in performing day to day activities. Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia. In most cases, a family member or close friend is more likely to notice the symptoms of Alzheimer's. At a severe stage, patients with Alzheimer's disease need assistance to complete every day tasks. On the occasion of World Alzheimer's Day 2023, here are risk factors for the disease you should now.

World Alzheimer's Day 2023: Know the risk factors

1. Age: Alzheimer's is not a part of the ageing process but people older than 65 years are at a higher risk.

2. Gender: Being a woman puts you at a higher risk of Alzheimer's.

3. Family history: If your parent or sibling is suffering from this condition, your risk is automatically greater.

4. Head injury: Studies have shown that there is a link between Alzheimer's risk and head trauma.

5. High blood pressure: Hypertension puts you at a higher risk of heart disease as well as Alzheimer's, as per research.

6. Unhealthy lifestyle: Lack of physical as well as mental exercise puts you at an increased risk in later life. Studies have also highlighted that obesity increases your risk.

7. Smoking: As per studies, people who smoke are at a higher risk of Alzheimer's and dementia when compared to non-smokers.

Also read: World Alzheimer's Day 2020: Simple Tips To Care Of A Loved One With Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive degenerative disorder which results in shrinking of the brain causing loss of memory especially for recent events. There is no cure for the disease but there are medications that can help slow down the progress. Typically its incidence increases with advancing age.

Controlling diabetes and blood pressure and following a good lifestyle also helps in delaying the symptoms.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.