Although the jury is still out on what actually causes Alzheimer’s disease, the pieces of this puzzle are slowly coming together. Experts do know, for instance, that there are certain risk factors that can increase a person’s likelihood of developing the disease.

To help those at risk to take steps to get tested and, if needed, to be treated in the earliest stages of the disease, THE MEDICAL TEAM’s Alzheimer’s care experts share these top risk factors.

  • Physical factors:
    • Obesity (a BMI of 30 or greater) triples a person’s risk
    • High blood pressure in middle age is a strong indicator of later-life Alzheimer’s
    • Abnormalities of the brain that impact Alzheimer’s risk have been identified by scientists
  • Lifestyle choices:
    • Smokers are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s
    • A poor diet, such as eating too few fruits and vegetables, increases the chance of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis
    • Staying mentally active through continuous learning, reading, and engaging in puzzles and games can decrease Alzheimer’s risk
  • Natural factors:
    • Two particular genes guarantee a person’s development of Alzheimer’s
    • Those who are older are at greater risk
    • Women are as much as 1.5 to 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s than men

For those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, specialized care is available from THE MEDICAL TEAM’s fully trained and experienced staff. We begin by providing a full assessment of the senior’s functional status and home environment, and then develop a personalized plan of care to address specific needs. We also work with families to provide education on coping strategies, can coordinate care between physicians, and improve quality of life throughout the stages of the disease.

We invite you to contact the Alzheimer’s care experts at THE MEDICAL TEAM to learn more about our New Orleans, Detroit, Austin, Dallas, and metro DC professional home care services. We’ll be happy to provide you with a helpful family caregiver handbook specific to Alzheimer’s disease, and to answer any questions you may have or to schedule a free in-home consultation.