Causes of Alzheimer's

Scientist and researcher believe many risk factors contribute to the development of Alzheimer's and Dementia. While some factors are set in stone, others can be modified in the hopes of reducing a person's risk of developing such conditions. They include the following :

Age

The biggest known factor for both Alzheimer's and different types of Dementia. While not a direct cause, age does in fact contribute to an increase in risk.

Family History

Those with a family member that has Alzheimer's are at an increased risk for it. This risk increases if more than one family member has the disease.

Genes

There are two categories of genes which determine if a person develops a disease: deterministic and risk genes. Alzheimer's has been found in both types; however, less than 1% of cases are caused by deterministic genes. 

Medical Conditions

Certain medical condition have been linked to future risks of Dementia, such as head injuries. Furthermore, strong evidence links brain and heart health. With the risk for Dementia appearing to increase with diseases such as diabetes and dementia.

Treatments

Both drug and non-drug approaches for the treatment of symptoms for people battling with Alzheimer's exist. The next two medicines are approved by the FDA for patients with Dementia:

Suvorexant (Belsomra) - was approved for the treatment of insomnia, which was found to be effective for people living with Alzheimer's. It works by blocking a chemical messenger responsible for the sleep-wake cycle.

Brexpiprazole (Rexulti) - Atypical antipshycotic (the only one of its kind approved by the FDA for the treatment of people with Alzheimer's) used to treat agitation. Atypical antipshycotics work by targeting dopamine and serotonin pathways in the brain.