Research
- Research suggests that Alzheimer’s is triggered by many things, including
age, genetics, brain inflammation, and other factors.
- Age is the most important known risk factor, but genetic researchers have zeroed
in on several chromosomes that may also play a role.
- As understanding of the disease gradually improves, researchers are exploring different
approaches to treatment.
Next Step
Learn about dementia and some of its non-Alzheimer’s causes.
Learn more
Current research indicates that Alzheimer’s disease may be triggered by a multitude
of factors, including age, genetic makeup, damage to neurons from the overproduction
of toxic free radicals, serious head injuries, brain inflammation, and environmental
factors.
As the search for the causes of Alzheimer’s continues, researchers are also testing
the effectiveness of various treatments that can prevent the disease, reduce or
delay its symptoms, or halt its progress.
There are two types of Alzheimer’s disease: sporadic Alzheimer’s disease, which
accounts for more than 90 percent of all cases, and familial Alzheimer’s disease
(FAD). Unlike sporadic Alzheimer’s disease, FAD usually strikes before age 65 and
follows an obvious inheritance pattern, enabling researchers to explore genetic
risk factors.
Scientists are also exploring new approaches to treatment. Since the 1970s, much research
has been focused on reducing the formation of the plaques (protein clumps) found
in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. New approaches include research that focuses
instead on the regrowth of synapses (the connections between neurons). Promising
early results will lead to further research.
Next Step: Learn about dementia and some of its non-Alzheimer’s
causes.
