What is a common risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease?

Age is a well-established risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease. As people grow older, the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's significantly increases. This is particularly evident in individuals aged 65 and older, where the prevalence of the disease increases dramatically. The aging brain undergoes various changes that may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's, such as the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, which are hallmarks of the disease.

Other factors like genetics, lifestyle, and overall health also play critical roles, but age remains the most significant and non-modifiable risk factor. The connection between advancing age and Alzheimer's has been supported by extensive research, confirming a direct association between these two variables.

In contrast, low cholesterol levels, nutritional deficiencies, and high levels of physical activity have been studied for their potential links to cognitive health, but they are not as definitive or universally recognized as age in the context of Alzheimer's risk.