{"id":8869,"date":"2024-11-26T08:33:10","date_gmt":"2024-11-26T14:33:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/the-farrington-at-tanglewood\/biological-causes-of-dementia\/"},"modified":"2026-01-04T19:15:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-05T00:15:12","slug":"causes-alzheimers-dementia-houston","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/pegasus-landing-of-tanglewood\/blog\/2024\/11\/26\/causes-alzheimers-dementia-houston\/","title":{"rendered":"What Causes Alzheimer’s And Dementia? It\u2019s Not Just Age."},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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According to the Alzheimer\u2019s Association<\/a>, more than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer\u2019s, the most common form of dementia. This number is expected to rise as the population ages. At the same time, over 12 million family members and friends provide unpaid care for people living with memory loss every year.<\/p>

Families often want to know what causes Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia. The terms are sometimes used as if they are the same, but there are differences.<\/p>

\"What
While researchers continue to explore what causes dementia, Pegasus Landing of Tanglewood in Houston, TX uses evidence-based activities to support residents and aid in dementia management.<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Dementia describes a decline in memory, reasoning, or other cognitive skills that affects daily life. Alzheimer\u2019s is the most common type of dementia, making up 60 to 80 percent of cases.<\/p>

Understanding the cause of Alzheimer\u2019s and related dementias helps families recognize risk factors, prepare for changes, and support loved ones.<\/p>

Researchers<\/a> now believe that while aging is the single biggest risk factor, age alone is not the full reason for Alzheimer\u2019s. Both uncontrollable and controllable elements influence risk, including genetics, lifestyle, and medical conditions.<\/p>

We support family caregivers with the Connections<\/a> memory care program at Pegasus Landing of Tanglewood in Houston, TX. This guide explains the five major Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia causes, what research says about them, and how families can focus on prevention and dementia management.<\/p>

Understanding the Scope of Alzheimer\u2019s<\/h2>

Before reviewing what causes dementia, it helps to look at the scope of the condition.<\/p>

Alzheimer\u2019s<\/a> does not affect everyone in the same way. For some, the risk begins to rise after 65, with about one in nine older adults receiving a diagnosis. Women carry more of the burden, making up nearly two-thirds of those living with the condition.<\/p>

Researchers have also uncovered disparities among different groups. Black older adults are about twice as likely to face Alzheimer\u2019s compared to White older adults, while Hispanic seniors are about one and a half times more likely. These differences remind us that health outcomes are shaped by more than just age<\/a>.<\/p>

Risk also looks different when viewed over a lifetime. At age 45, women have about a one in five chance of developing Alzheimer\u2019s, while for men the likelihood is closer to one in ten. And although most people think of Alzheimer\u2019s as an older adult condition, roughly 200,000 Americans under 65 live with younger-onset dementia today.<\/p>

These figures show that dementia affects diverse groups in different ways. They also reveal that while age increases risk, many other influences shape outcomes.<\/p>

The Five Major Causes of Alzheimer\u2019s and Dementia<\/h2>

1. Age-Related Brain Changes<\/h3>

Many people ask what causes Alzheimer\u2019s in the brain. Research points to abnormal protein buildup as a main driver<\/a>. Two proteins, amyloid plaques and tau tangles, interfere with the way brain cells communicate. Over time, neurons lose function and die.<\/p>

The likelihood of these changes increases with age. By age 75, nearly three-quarters of individuals living with Alzheimer\u2019s are in this group. While aging cannot be stopped, brain-healthy habits such as staying active and socially connected may slow progression.<\/p>

2. Genetics and Family History<\/h3>

Family history plays a role in the cause of Alzheimer\u2019s. Those who have a parent, brother, or sister with Alzheimer\u2019s have a higher chance of developing the condition. However, genetics do not explain every case. Some people without any family history are diagnosed, while others with multiple relatives affected never develop symptoms.<\/p>

Research has identified certain genes, like APOE-e4, that raise risk. Still, lifestyle factors often interact with genetics, making prevention strategies important even for those with higher inherited risk.<\/p>

3. Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health<\/h3>

A growing body of evidence links what causes Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia to conditions that affect blood flow and metabolism. High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity have all been shown to raise risk.<\/p>

Poor circulation reduces the brain\u2019s oxygen supply, contributing to cognitive decline. Managing heart health<\/a> through exercise, diet, and medical care may also help with the management of dementia by slowing the worsening of symptoms.<\/p>

4. Lifestyle and Environmental Factors<\/h3>

Another important reason for Alzheimer\u2019s relates to lifestyle. Researchers note that smoking, lack of physical activity, and limited mental stimulation may contribute to dementia. On the other hand, staying mentally engaged, eating a balanced diet<\/a>, and maintaining strong social connections can help protect brain function.<\/p>

Although lifestyle<\/a> is not the sole explanation, it is one factor families can control. This is why experts encourage preventive steps early and often, since brain health builds over time.<\/p>

5. Other Medical Conditions<\/h3>

The fifth major category of Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia causes includes other medical conditions that may accelerate decline. These include:<\/p>