How Do You Know if You’re at Risk for Alzheimer’s?
If you’re an older adult, you might be wondering if you’re at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Are there risk factors beyond age? Is there anything you can do to protect your brain health? Should you be worried that you forgot your niece’s birthday this year? Here are a few questions to ask yourself.
Do you have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease?
Sometimes, blue eyes and an ear for finding harmonies run in families. And other times, certain diseases run in families. This may include heart disease, certain types of cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol…and yes, Alzheimer’s. According to the National Institute on Aging, people whose parents or siblings have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s have a higher risk of getting it themselves. So, does that mean Alzheimer’s is an inevitability for you? Absolutely not! Genetics are important, sure, but so is a healthy lifestyle. For example, a recent study showed that following a Mediterranean diet could reduce dementia risk by up to 23%. Additionally, there are certain lifestyle tweaks you can make today to reduce your risk. Smoking and hypertension both raise your risk of developing Alzheimer’s (according to the Alzheimer’s Association). So, try to quit smoking and talk to your doctor about your hypertension. All in all, try to live a healthy lifestyle!
How old are you?
Growing older has a lot of perks, like wisdom and less of a tendency to please people. But aging also comes with its fair share of pitfalls. Sadly, your age is the biggest risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease (per the National Institute on Aging). In fact, the risk for Alzheimer’s doubles every five years after the age of 65! Unfortunately, this means that one in six people over the age of 80 will develop Alzheimer’s disease. While you can’t stop the hands of time, you can refer to my previous tip and make certain lifestyle adjustments. Eating healthy and exercising don’t just benefit your body. They’re good for your brain, too!
Do you have cardiovascular disease?
When we talk about the brain and the heart in a metaphorical sense, we usually view them as totally separate entities. Our brain is the smart, logical one that makes good choices. Our heart is the wildcard that leads us astray. But in the context of your health, your brain and heart aren’t disconnected at all. The American Brain Foundation even states that heart health is brain health! Your heart is responsible for pumping blood through your body and getting a healthy supply to your brain.
When you have high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol, you’re at a much higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease. An unhealthy heart can’t pump as much blood to your brain, which can lead to cognitive decline. “For many years, we’ve known that patients with heart failure tend to be cognitively impaired, but this was viewed as a coincidence. Only recently have studies suggested that heart failure causes the cognitive problems,” Dr. Andrew R. Marks, chair of the Department of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, wrote in a study he headed. In other words, take good care of your heart! Not just your heart’s sake, but your brain’s sake, too!
Have you had a traumatic brain injury?
Have you ever fallen and hit your head? Did a doctor later diagnose you with a mild concussion? Even a mild concussion is considered a TBI (traumatic brain injury). Worse still, even a mild TBI can put you at a greater risk for developing Alzheimer’s later in life. Since falls are common among older adults and can result in TBIs, start taking precautions now. Begin by decluttering your house. A loose rug or a piece of furniture jutting into your path can be dangerous. If your balance isn’t what it used to be, don’t let pride stop you from buying a walker. Also, make sure your glasses prescription is up to date. After all, you can’t avoid hazards if you can’t see them! If you did fall and hit your head at any point, visit your doctor and let them know. Even a light bump on the head can do a lot of unseen damage, so take it seriously.
Do you drink in excess?
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, long-term heavy drinking can result in a lack of vitamin B1 and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which can affect your short-term memory. Drinking alcohol can also reduce the volume of your brain’s white matter, which is responsible for transmitting signals between areas of your brain. Not only can impact your overall brain function, but it can even shrink the hippocampus! With alcohol, the adage “Everything in moderation” rings true. A glass of wine here and there won’t hurt you, but drinking heavily every day will. Make good choices, and your brain will thank you!
Are you depressed?
Depression is a serious condition that you should never, ever brush aside. (Seriously, mental health matters.) If you’ve wrestled with depression for a long time, then I have bad news. A new study shows that having depression in early adulthood may lead to dementia later on. If you’re suffering from depression, it could also indicate early-onset dementia. It gets worse. Around 40 and 50 percent of people with Alzheimer’s experience depression (according to Johns Hopkins Medicine). So, does depression mean you’re suffering from early-stage Alzheimer’s? Not necessarily! But I still recommend getting therapy and treating your depression! Depression can seriously lower your quality of life, and you deserve to be happy, especially in your later years!
If you’re thinking about suicide or would like emotional support, call the 24-hour 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 or 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
Looking for More?
Here’s the sad truth: there’s no surefire way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. The good news is that you can do things to improve your brain health right now and reduce your risk! So, start making healthier choices today. If you aren’t a member of your local gym, join one! Swap processed foods for more fruits and veggies. Go to the doctor regularly and put down your cigarettes. Even small choices can have big benefits, so tweak your lifestyle one healthy habit at a time.
Still looking for more info about Alzheimer’s? Then check out these articles next:
- 10 Million Baby Boomers Expected to Develop Alzheimer’s,12 Lifestyle Changes That May Prevent Dementia
- 5 Home Safety Tips for Aging-in-Place with Alzheimer’s
- Alzheimer’s Vs. Age-Related Memory Changes
- 10 Proactive Choices You Can Make Today to Avoid Dementia
- 11 Essential Tips for Supporting a Loved One with Dementia
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Originally published July 11, 2025
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